ostensibly

Adverb

• from appearances alone; ; ; -Thomas Hardy
  • "had been ostensibly frank as to his purpose while really concealing it"

Adv

• Seemingly, apparently, on the surface; supposedly, according to representations or implications made by someone (especially when their motives are suspected by others).

Examples

• Her interest in his welfare was ostensibly charitable and magnanimous, but people began wondering who was going to inherit his assets when he died.
• His interest in the railway was ostensibly a hobby, but people began wondering why he was taking photos of specific trains and specific equipment.

Synonyms

apparently, on the face of it, seemingly, arguably, at first blush, at first glance, at first sight, on the surface, ostensibly, outwardly, prima facie, superficially, surfacely, to all appearances

Antonyms

actually

Related Words

ostensible, ostensive