C2adverbformalpoliticsmedia
US/ɑːˈsten.sə.bli/
UK/ɒˈsten.sə.bli/
in a way that seems or is said to be true, but may not really be
In context
The trip was ostensibly for business, but he spent most days on the beach.
The new fee is ostensibly to improve services, yet nothing has changed.
She left the party early, ostensibly because she had a headache.
Words that go with ostensibly
adverb + verb
- ostensibly designedThe law was ostensibly designed to protect consumers.
- ostensibly aimedThe campaign was ostensibly aimed at young voters.
- ostensibly intendedThe cameras are ostensibly intended to reduce crime.
adverb + adjective
- ostensibly independentThe ostensibly independent report was paid for by the oil industry.
- ostensibly neutralThe ostensibly neutral website clearly favors one party.