ostensibly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Another radical departure from precedent was the participation of Arthur Burns, the chair of the ostensibly independent Federal Reserve, in the crafting of Nixon’s shock therapy program.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

During the McCarthy era, overreaching laws, surveillance, and public and private sector reprisals ostensibly targeted alleged communists.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

This is ostensibly a courtesy to avoid alerting current co-workers that you are job hunting, but it means people you rub the wrong way could ding you years later.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

The pop star, coming off the massive success of her “Future Nostalgia” album, made an appearance to ostensibly plug her tour, lifestyle newsletter and book podcast, but viewers were treated to something more philosophical instead.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Set in medieval Spain, Parsifal is ostensibly a parable about the Holy Grail, the cup from which Christ drank at the Last Supper.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall