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 next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The full-length rerecording—now shorn of expletives—celebrates the record’s 10th anniversary (with the unintended consequence of sparking a discourse about Toledo’s ostensible religious views). —

Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 22 May 2026 Young people—the ostensible future of the franchise—like Mando and Baby Yoda. —

James Grebey, Time, 21 May 2026 The attack comes despite an ostensible ceasefire that has been in place since October. —

Eugenia Yosef, CNN Money, 15 May 2026 One is this mismatch between the kind of power and ostensible political authority that Starmer has and the size of his vote. —

Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ostensible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensible

Adjective

This comes after dozens of leading Mexican sports outlets reported the time change — after apparent briefing — as did the BBC, which has rights to the game in the UK.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Anybody who is anybody is making their way to New York’s Madison Square Garden dressed to the nines in an apparent march to get to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding.

— Jack Dunn, Variety, 3 July 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

The teenage phenom is able to complement his obvious technical skills with a flair and maturity in high-pressure situations that is well beyond his years.

— Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
This was most obvious during Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour, when brands capitalized on all things Taylor — friendship bracelets, themed drinks and even concert outfits.

— Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

Verbeek also has lost four key defensemen — captain Radko Gudas, Jacob Trouba, John Carlson and Olen Zellweger — in the past month while adding only journeyman Nick Jensen as a probable replacement.

— Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Lowe’s matchup is arguably the best for hitting a home run on Saturday’s MLB slate, given the sample sizes of the probable pitchers.

— Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026