Synonyms of ostensibly

26 similar words · 1 opposite word

Another word for ostensibly is apparently. Other synonyms of ostensibly are reportedly, allegedly, supposedly, purportedly and reputedly. The opposite of ostensibly is actually.

Synonyms and similar words for ostensibly

apparentlySeemingly; in appearance.
arguablyAs can be supported or proven by sound logical deduction, evidence, and precedent, but without absolute certainty.
at first blushUpon first impression or consideration; seemingly, apparently, ostensibly.
ostensivelyOstensibly.
seemingly
reportedlyAccording to reports or rumors.
reputedlyAccording to repute or general belief.
purportedlyAs appears to be true or is stated or accepted to be (though might not be so).
putativelyIn a putative manner; according to belief.
rumoredlyAccording to rumor.
supposedlyAs a matter of supposition; in the beliefs or according to the claims of some people.
allegedlyAccording to allegation(s); supposedly, reportedly.
possibly
probablyIn all likelihood.
likely
plausibly
presumablyAble to be sensibly presumed.
at first glanceAfter only a superficial examination or review.
at first sightSuperficially, without a full inspection.
on the face of itSeemingly; to all appearances; as far as can be seen or determined without deeper investigation or analysis.
on the surfaceApparently, outwardly; superficially.
outwardly
prima facieAt first sight; on the face of it.
superficiallyIn a superficial manner; shallowly.
to all appearancesSo far as anyone can tell by observation; apparently.
surfacely nonstandardOn the surface; superficially.

adverb Seemingly, apparently, on the surface; supposedly, according to representations or implications made by someone (especially when their motives are suspected by others).

What is another word for ostensibly?: Ostensibly has 26 synonyms on Word.ws, such as apparently, reportedly, allegedly, supposedly, purportedly, reputedly, putatively and rumoredly.
What is the opposite of ostensibly?: The opposite of ostensibly is actually.
What does ostensibly mean?: Ostensibly means seemingly, apparently, on the surface; supposedly, according to representations or implications made by someone (especially when their motives are suspected by others).

Adapted from Wiktionary: ostensibly (page history and authors) and the entries of the words listed. Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws grouped the synonyms and antonyms by meaning and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.

Last updated: 2026-09-02

Cite this page: “Synonyms of ostensibly.” Word.ws, https://word.ws/synonyms/ostensibly. Based on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.