ostensibly

Meaning

Appearing or stated to be true, though not necessarily so; seemingly.

Examples

• Ostensibly, the meeting was about budget cuts, but everyone knew it was about layoffs.
• She was ostensibly studying for her exams, but she spent most of her time on social media.

Pronunciation: /ɒsˈtensəbli/

How to Use ostensibly

ostensibly about (prepositional phrase)

Appearing to be concerned with or related to a particular subject. — "The discussion was ostensibly about the new project, but it quickly devolved into personal attacks."

ostensibly to (prepositional phrase)

Appearing to have the purpose of doing something. — "He joined the club ostensibly to improve his French, but he was really looking for new friends."

Synonyms of ostensibly

Words with a similar meaning to ostensibly:

• seemingly
• apparently
• purportedly
• professedly

Antonyms of ostensibly

Words with the opposite meaning to ostensibly:

• actually
• truly
• undeniably