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.

International law permits attacks on energy plants and other ostensibly civilian targets only if determined that they primarily support military activity.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

It relied on Dreyer’s ostensibly disinterested advice, which was backed by powerful superior officers with whom he had ingratiated himself, even though a majority of expert gunnery officers unequivocally opposed it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

Those powers, Thomas wrote, include tariffs, which are ostensibly not “within the core legislative power.”

From Slate • Feb. 20, 2026

She has approval over the content and ostensibly a sound enough mind to understand exactly the political and social contexts the film will be released into.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2026

We were up in her room, at her desk, ostensibly to cram for her home school chem test.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin