as in apparent
appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed
the ostensible reason for the meeting turned out to be a trick to get him to the surprise party
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Recent Examples of ostensible
Then his ostensible bestie, Stuart (Josh McDermitt), ruins everything by breaking up the firm.
—
Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
But due to Coogler’s framing, seeing Mary, a white-passing woman but ostensible outsider, turned into a vampire is tragic.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2025
The ostensible reason: Benedict didn’t want his physical deterioration to paralyze the church the way John Paul II’s Parkinson’s disease did during the twilight of a papacy that lasted more than a quarter of a century.
—Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
But despite the ostensible unity of great powers, concerts often mask rather than mitigate ideological frictions.
—Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ostensible
Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
But due to Coogler’s framing, seeing Mary, a white-passing woman but ostensible outsider, turned into a vampire is tragic.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2025
The ostensible reason: Benedict didn’t want his physical deterioration to paralyze the church the way John Paul II’s Parkinson’s disease did during the twilight of a papacy that lasted more than a quarter of a century.
—Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
But despite the ostensible unity of great powers, concerts often mask rather than mitigate ideological frictions.
—Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ostensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensible
Adjective
-
The man dropped to the ground and was arrested without any apparent resistance in the video that Osante filmed.—
Colleen Slevin,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
-
Wolff did admit that seeing the positives were difficult, aside from the apparent step in tire management.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 May 2025
-
This model would not be possible without the commitment, sensitivity and dedication of the members of the Mexican Foreign Service who work daily within the consular network to make this vision a reality, always placing the individual at the center of diplomatic action.—
Alicia G Kerber Palma,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
But in terms of the excitement and electricity, the parallels between Verlander and Skubal are obvious.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
-
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek the most obvious impact from the smoke would be hazy skies, which could contribute to visually beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the affected areas.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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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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How many cases are there in Oklahoma? Oklahoma held steady Friday with a total of 14 confirmed and three probable cases.—
DEVI SHASTRI,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
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For items like toys, Miller said, percentage increases in the double-digit range seem probable.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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The other supposed benefit is that MAGA accounts grow wealth for children from poor families.—
Allison Schrager,
Twin Cities,
22 May 2025
-
Over the past several years, hip-hop’s supposed decline has been a prevailing storyline.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ostensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensible. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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