OSTENSIBLE Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

ostensible

adjective

ä-ˈsten(t)-sə-bəl

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 Early on Saturday morning, the actor took to social media to share a new 18-minute Zoom video featuring the ostensible marketing team behind the A24 film. —

Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2025 Nowhere has the contradiction between India’s ostensible democratic principles and its support for autocrats been more glaring than in Bangladesh. —

Muhib Rahman, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025 Despite her ostensible apology, Wu’s rhetoric in the days since has appeared largely unchanged. —

Samantha Riedel, Them., 3 Nov. 2025 The British marque is a little less transparent about pricing (publicly, at least) than its ostensible American competitor. —

Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ostensible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensible

Adjective

Two people suffered life-threatening injuries and a suspect has been arrested in connection with an apparent stabbing in San Francisco on Saturday evening, police said.

— Brandon Downs, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
For many of the previous 120 days, Tara tells Thomas what is happening to her, and convinces him of her situation through her apparent clairvoyance.

— John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026