OSTENSIBLE Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'ostensible' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ostensible are apparent , illusory , and seeming . While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one. // the ostensible reason for their visit

Q: When is it sensible to use 'apparent' instead of 'ostensible'?

The words apparent and ostensible can be used in similar contexts, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge. // the apparent cause of the accident

Q: When is 'illusory' a more appropriate choice than 'ostensible'?

Although the words illusory and ostensible have much in common, illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view. // an illusory sense of security

Q: When would 'seeming' be a good substitute for 'ostensible'?

The synonyms seeming and ostensible are sometimes interchangeable, but seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else. // the seeming simplicity of the story

ostensible

adjective

ä-ˈsten(t)-sə-bəl

Definition of ostensible

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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How does the adjective ostensible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ostensible are apparent, illusory, and seeming. While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

When is it sensible to use apparent instead of ostensible?

The words apparent and ostensible can be used in similar contexts, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

When is illusory a more appropriate choice than ostensible?

Although the words illusory and ostensible have much in common, illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

When would seeming be a good substitute for ostensible?

The synonyms seeming and ostensible are sometimes interchangeable, but seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of ostensible These included members of the office’s upper management and Joe Thompson, the lead on the benefits-fraud case that was the ostensible reason for the surge in the first place. — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Among those ostensible first steps in the writing trade is to simultaneously storm the gates of literary agents, the subject of Laura McGrath’s Middlemen. — M. C. Mah, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026 Those ostensible allies shrugged off criticism of their destructive interventions in Libya, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Mischa Barton portrayed Marissa Cooper, the privileged yet troubled It girl and ostensible female lead, and when she was killed in the season 3 finale after a tragic car accident, fans were left reeling. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ostensible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensible

Adjective

This change is apparent in the fact that European governments, too, are cutting funding for religious freedom advocacy.

— Matthew Schmitz, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
Ken Urker, the partner of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, made comments about being depressed before being found dead in his Louisiana home from an apparent drug overdose, authorities said.

— Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

The South's joint chiefs said Saturday the military stepped up surveillance and vigilance for possible further launches from the North and was closely sharing information with the United States and Japan.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
As Yemen returns to a level of fighting intensity not seen since the 2022 truce, the civil war has entered a decisive phase, with several possible avenues forward.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of possible

Adjective

The tents with a bathroom in them, a seemingly obvious upgrade from those without (there’s a communal washroom), have toilets that aren’t completely enclosed.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Put the paths of 1991, 2009 and 2027 on a globe, and the approximately 120-degree westward jump between successive members becomes immediately obvious.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

Anger at the seeming inability of successive governments to deal with the issue has been behind a series of demonstrations and riots and has fueled the rise of the hard-right Reform UK party.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Adding to that sense of inherent agility and the seeming ability to pounce are the standard 21-inch wheels fit with iron brakes, though carbon-ceramic stoppers are also an option.

— Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of seeming

Adjective

Meanwhile, linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin has been upgraded to probable after initially being listed as questionable.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
Her students turn Percy Shelley into a misogynist and probable rapist, then attack the idea that anything written by such a man might remain worth reading.

— Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of probable

Browse Nearby Words

ossifying

ostensible

ostensibly

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“Ostensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensible. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ostensible

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