Sentences for Ostensible: Learn Ostensible with Examples

The word “ostensible” means something that appears to be true or stated as true, but may not necessarily be so. It is often used to describe something that is outwardly presented as a fact but might have a different reality underneath. This article provides structured sentences for ‘ostensible’ at different difficulty levels to help you understand and use the word effectively.

Basic Level Sentences for Ostensible

1. His ostensible reason for leaving was to take a break, but he had another plan. (Adjective)

Here, “ostensible” means the stated reason might not be the real one.

2. She gave an ostensible smile, but deep down, she was upset. (Adjective)

This sentence shows “ostensible” as something that appears real but may not be.

3. The ostensible goal of the meeting was to discuss progress, but it turned into a debate. (Adjective)

Indicates that the stated goal was not the actual purpose.

4. His ostensible kindness masked his true intentions. (Adjective)

Implies that his kindness was only on the surface.

5. She accepted his ostensible apology but remained cautious. (Adjective)

Shows skepticism about the genuineness of the apology.

6. The ostensible owner of the shop was rarely there. (Adjective)

Suggests that the real ownership may be unclear.

7. His ostensible interest in cooking was just to impress his date. (Adjective)

Indicates that his interest was not genuine.

8. The ostensible reason for the delay was traffic, but they suspected otherwise. (Adjective)

Implies that traffic was not the true reason.

9. The ostensible leader of the group had little control over decisions. (Adjective)

Suggests that someone else might be in charge.

10. Her ostensible generosity was merely a way to gain popularity. (Adjective)

Implies that her generosity was not sincere.

Intermediate Level Sentences for Ostensible

11. The ostensible purpose of the survey was to gather opinions, but it seemed more like a marketing tactic. (Adjective)

Shows that the stated purpose was not the real intention.

12. Although his ostensible enthusiasm for the project was high, his lack of effort suggested otherwise. (Adjective)

Indicates a contrast between outward enthusiasm and actual effort.

13. The ostensible agreement between the two companies masked deep-seated conflicts. (Adjective)

Suggests that the agreement was not as solid as it appeared.

14. His ostensible support for the cause seemed questionable when he failed to take any real action. (Adjective)

Implies a discrepancy between words and actions.

15. The ostensible security measures gave an illusion of safety but lacked effectiveness. (Adjective)

Shows that the security measures appeared useful but weren’t truly effective.

16. The ostensible friendship between the rivals was nothing more than a strategic alliance. (Adjective)

Suggests that their friendship was not genuine.

17. Despite his ostensible authority, he had no real influence in the decision-making process. (Adjective)

Indicates that his authority was only in appearance.

18. The ostensible unity among the team members was superficial at best. (Adjective)

Suggests that the team was not truly united.

19. The ostensible reason for his absence was illness, but his colleagues doubted it. (Adjective)

Implies that illness may not be the true reason.

20. Her ostensible joy at the promotion masked a deep uncertainty about the role. (Adjective)

Shows that her happiness was only on the surface.

Advanced Level Sentences for Ostensible

21. His ostensible resignation was, in reality, a strategic maneuver to escape scrutiny. (Adjective)

Implies that his resignation was not genuine but a calculated move.

22. The ostensible neutrality of the media outlet was questioned after repeated biased reporting. (Adjective)

Suggests that the media outlet only appeared neutral.

23. The ostensible reforms introduced by the government failed to bring any real change. (Adjective)

Indicates that the reforms were more for show than effect.

24. Though his ostensible goal was to help the community, his real motive was personal gain. (Adjective)

Contrasts an outwardly positive goal with a hidden selfish agenda.

25. The ostensible merger was merely a façade to mask the company’s financial struggles. (Adjective)

Suggests that the merger was not the real solution but a cover-up.

26. The ostensible loyalty of his advisor vanished when he faced adversity. (Adjective)

Indicates that the loyalty was only present under favorable conditions.

27. Despite the ostensible benefits of the policy, critics argued it disproportionately favored the elite. (Adjective)

Implies that the policy’s benefits were not as inclusive as they appeared.

28. His ostensible remorse during the trial failed to convince the jury of his sincerity. (Adjective)

Suggests that his remorse was likely insincere.

29. The ostensible purpose of the gala was charity, but it was more of a networking event for the wealthy. (Adjective)

Indicates a difference between the publicized and actual purpose.

30. The ostensible objectivity of the research was compromised by corporate sponsorship. (Adjective)

Implies that the research might have been influenced by external funding.

Expert Level Sentences for Ostensible

31. The ostensible diplomatic mission was, in fact, a covert intelligence operation. (Adjective)

Suggests that the stated purpose of the mission was misleading.

32. His ostensible advocacy for free speech was belied by his censorship of dissenting opinions. (Adjective)

Highlights the contradiction between his words and actions.

33. The ostensible cessation of hostilities was merely a brief pause before the next conflict. (Adjective)

Suggests that the peace was superficial and temporary.

34. Although the ostensible reason for the audit was transparency, many suspected ulterior motives. (Adjective)

Indicates skepticism regarding the true purpose of the audit.

35. The ostensible success of the economic policy masked the suffering of marginalized communities. (Adjective)

Suggests that the success was only true on the surface.

36. The ostensible justification for military intervention was humanitarian aid, but geopolitical interests were at play. (Adjective)

Implies that the stated reason was not the actual motivation.

37. The ostensible commitment to environmental sustainability was contradicted by ongoing deforestation. (Adjective)

Highlights a contradiction between stated values and actions.

38. The ostensible transparency of the government report was undermined by redacted sections. (Adjective)

Suggests that the report appeared open but was actually selective in disclosure.

39. The ostensible academic freedom of the institution was compromised by political influence. (Adjective)

Implies that academic freedom existed in name only.

40. The ostensible peace treaty was, in reality, a carefully veiled surrender. (Adjective)

Shows that the treaty was framed as peace but functioned differently.

Mastering Ostensible

Now that you have explored various sentence examples for ‘ostensible,’ you can confidently use the word in different contexts, from casual conversations to professional and academic discussions. Understanding ‘ostensible’ in its multiple dimensions ensures you use it appropriately and effectively. Keep practicing by incorporating ‘ostensible’ into your writing and speech!