Synonyms for ostensibly
All synonyms
Adverb
1. Apparently — seemingly, apparently, on the surface; supposedly, according to representations or implications made by…
apparently, seemingly, purportedly, supposedly, allegedly, putatively, superficially, plausibly, likely, probably, reportedly, possibly, reputedly, outwardly, prima facie, supposably, rumoredly
Other
Definitions
- adv. 1
Seemingly, apparently, on the surface; supposedly, according to representations or implications made by someone (especially when their motives are suspected by others).
His interest in the railway was ostensibly a hobby, but people began wondering why he was taking photos of specific trains and specific equipment.
Example sentences
- apparently Tom apparently didn't do what he said he would do.
- seemingly Frankism seemingly drew influence from Gnosticism.
- supposedly This is supposedly research which my secretary did.
- purportedly Algeria purportedly is interested in sending peacekeepers to Libya.
- presumably Mary still hasn't written the essay, presumably.
- arguably Bradford is arguably the ugliest town in Britain.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| ostensibly | rising | |
| apparently | falling | |
| seemingly | rising | |
| supposedly | rising | |
| purportedly | rising | |
| presumably | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 6 letters
- likely2
- 8 letters
- probably3, possibly3, arguably4
- 9 letters
- seemingly3, allegedly4, outwardly3, plausibly3, reputedly4, rumoredly
- 10 letters
- apparently4, reportedly4, presumably4, supposedly4, putatively, supposably
- 11 letters
- purportedly4, ostensively
- 13 letters
- superficially5
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (likely2 = 2 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- ostensiblement
- Italiano
- ostentatamente