as in apparent
appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed
the ostensive purpose of his visit was to discuss the terms of his will
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Recent Examples of ostensive
The ostensive unpopularity of violet versus purple nagged at the back of Tager’s mind for much of his life, eventually setting him on a 20-year journey across 193 museums in 42 countries.
—
Stephen MacKnik, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2021
Just like Glaucon, the best this new interlocutor could do is an ostensive definition - provide examples of justice - or possibly present the etymology of the word.
—Theodore McDarrah, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2023
This obviously doesn’t mean the Nuggets reserve unit has transformed into the cream of the crop, and that minus-three remains a concern for a team with ostensive (if diminished) title hopes.
—Joel Rush, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2021
Ask this question to a random group of people, the answer will most likely be ostensive.
—Teddy McDarrah, Forbes, 28 June 2021
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
Stephen MacKnik, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2021
Just like Glaucon, the best this new interlocutor could do is an ostensive definition - provide examples of justice - or possibly present the etymology of the word.
—Theodore McDarrah, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2023
This obviously doesn’t mean the Nuggets reserve unit has transformed into the cream of the crop, and that minus-three remains a concern for a team with ostensive (if diminished) title hopes.
—Joel Rush, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2021
Ask this question to a random group of people, the answer will most likely be ostensive.
—Teddy McDarrah, Forbes, 28 June 2021
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensive
Adjective
-
That license is currently set to expire on May 27, but sources indicate it may now be extended by 60 days — an apparent diplomatic concession aimed at easing tensions and fostering future cooperation.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
21 May 2025
-
Experts said the safety reports reviewed by CNN illustrate the real-world consequences of the FAA’s apparent inability to address these equipment challenges.—
Melanie Hicken,
CNN Money,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 May 2025
-
The Boise City Council approved plan modifications May 13 for a central village green and town center that would include shopping, coffee shops and food spots, including possible food carts in a park area.—
Nick Rosenberger,
Idaho Statesman,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
The ostensible target of the purge are books fostering an ideology of racial preference or DEI, but the relation of this endeavor to national defense is, to say the least, tenuous.—
George Liebmann,
Baltimore Sun,
21 May 2025
-
Both films cogently argue that ostensible democracies in the U.S. and elsewhere squash anyone who tries to tell the truth – anyone who insists that 2 + 2 = 4.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Emilia Pérez’s turnout in particular was a fall from seeming dominance, perhaps precipitated by Gascón’s controversy.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
3 Mar. 2025
-
That night of violence — with its brutality and seeming lack of a motive — has shaken the community.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Sep. 2024
Adjective
-
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek the most obvious impact from the smoke would be hazy skies, which could contribute to visually beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the affected areas.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
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But in terms of the excitement and electricity, the parallels between Verlander and Skubal are obvious.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
How many cases are there in Oklahoma? Oklahoma held steady Friday with a total of 14 confirmed and three probable cases.—
DEVI SHASTRI,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
-
Wind gusts of up to 50 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) are probable.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ostensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensive. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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