for the sake of appearances

idiom

: because other people think it is the proper thing to do
She is only attending the banquet for the sake of appearances.

Examples of for the sake of appearances in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Those are events planned for the sake of appearances, for the sake of presentation in the media and for the purpose of being commented upon. Washington Post, 30 June 2024 The more these can be aligned with allies, the better, but as overseer of the global reserve currency, the U.S. is in a unique position to make unilateral impact and should not hold back for the sake of appearances of solidarity. Nate Sibley, National Review, 23 Feb. 2022 The Jets should not rush him out there simply for the sake of appearances. J.p. Pelzman, Forbes, 12 May 2021

Dictionary Entries Near for the sake of appearances

Cite this Entry

“For the sake of appearances.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/for%20the%20sake%20of%20appearances. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!