C2adjectiveformalacademicsociety
US/ɑːˈsten.sə.bəl/
UK/ɒˈsten.sɪ.bəl/
given as the reason for something, but often not the real one
In context
The ostensible purpose of the trip was research, but it was really a holiday.
His ostensible reason for leaving early was a doctor appointment.
The ostensible leader of the group had very little real power.
Words that go with ostensible
adjective + noun
- ostensible purposeThe ostensible purpose of the meeting was to share news.
- ostensible reasonHer ostensible reason for calling was to ask about work.
- ostensible aimThe ostensible aim of the law is to protect children.
- ostensible goalThe ostensible goal was peace, yet fighting continued.
- ostensible leaderHe was the ostensible leader, but others made the decisions.
- ostensible causeThe ostensible cause of the delay was bad weather.