as in apparent
appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed
the ostensive purpose of his visit was to discuss the terms of his will
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Recent Examples of ostensive
The ostensive unpopularity of violet versus purple nagged at the back of Tager’s mind for much of his life, eventually setting him on a 20-year journey across 193 museums in 42 countries.
—
Stephen MacKnik, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2021
Just like Glaucon, the best this new interlocutor could do is an ostensive definition - provide examples of justice - or possibly present the etymology of the word.
—Theodore McDarrah, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2023
This obviously doesn’t mean the Nuggets reserve unit has transformed into the cream of the crop, and that minus-three remains a concern for a team with ostensive (if diminished) title hopes.
—Joel Rush, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2021
Ask this question to a random group of people, the answer will most likely be ostensive.
—Teddy McDarrah, Forbes, 28 June 2021
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
Stephen MacKnik, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2021
Just like Glaucon, the best this new interlocutor could do is an ostensive definition - provide examples of justice - or possibly present the etymology of the word.
—Theodore McDarrah, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2023
This obviously doesn’t mean the Nuggets reserve unit has transformed into the cream of the crop, and that minus-three remains a concern for a team with ostensive (if diminished) title hopes.
—Joel Rush, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2021
Ask this question to a random group of people, the answer will most likely be ostensive.
—Teddy McDarrah, Forbes, 28 June 2021
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensive
Adjective
-
While the vehicle successfully reached the Earth's orbit, an apparent propellant leak caused a loss of altitude.—
Meredith Kile,
People.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
However, obstacles, chief among them the Kings’ apparent commitment to patience and prudence, abound.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
That would be possible because access from Lincoln Memorial Drive to and from I-794 would be shifted southward.—
Tom Daykin,
jsonline.com,
29 July 2025
-
The Kansas City Fire Department was dispatched around 6:45 p.m. Saturday to Indian Creek, near 103rd Street and State Line Road on reports of a possible drowning.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
28 July 2025
Adjective
-
Their ostensible mission was to restore order, but Druze militia leaders mobilized, convinced that Sharaa’s real goal was to crush them and assert full control over Sweida.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
18 July 2025
-
In the wake of the building collapse, the novel’s ostensible hero, Anthony Carter, is asked to speak at a rally for his neighbors, all rattled by the sudden catastrophe.—
Kevin Lozano,
New Yorker,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
Emilia Pérez’s turnout in particular was a fall from seeming dominance, perhaps precipitated by Gascón’s controversy.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
3 Mar. 2025
-
That night of violence — with its brutality and seeming lack of a motive — has shaken the community.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Sep. 2024
Adjective
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Seal obvious gaps around the foundation and under doors, says Bertone.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
28 July 2025
-
The entrepreneur and podcaster David Sacks has shaped dramatic and high-impact shifts in US policy with presidential support but little obvious meddling, and emerged as one of the most effective figures in the administration.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
28 July 2025
Adjective
-
Mabrey is probable to return in Connecticut’s first game since the break against the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
23 July 2025
-
Wind gusts of up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail (1 inch) are probable.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ostensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensive. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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