on the face of it

idiom

: from only what is known at first

On the face of it, her proposal seems ridiculous—maybe it will sound better when we learn more about it.

Examples of on the face of it in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

The images are rendered in muted tones of gray and brown, with touches of blue and rose, which paradoxically lightens the mood — the homage to old movies is both a distancing device and fun on the face of it. —

Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2024 Reyes opposed passing legislation that on the face of it allows the PAMM billboard to remain standing. —

Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024 At least on the face of it, this stand is sensible. —

Uri Bar-Joseph, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2012 An upset on the face of it, Branham (23-5), the No. 1 seed in the Northern California Division II bracket, getting beat at home by No. 16 seed Clovis East. —

Glenn Reeves, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for on the face of it

Dictionary Entries Near on the face of it

on the edge of one's seat

on the face of it

on the face of the earth

See More Nearby Entries

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“On the face of it.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20face%20of%20it. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

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