outwardly

adverb

out·​ward·​ly ˈau̇t-wərd-lē 

1

a

: on the outside : externally

b

: toward the outside

2

: in outward state, behavior, or appearance

was outwardly friendly

Examples of outwardly in a Sentence

The two brothers may be outwardly similar, but their personalities couldn't be more different.

Though extremely nervous, she was able to remain outwardly calm during the interview.

Outwardly, their marriage seemed quite normal.

Recent Examples on the Web

While primarily measured in his actions, Cromwell is outwardly exhausted. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025

Meanwhile, the teachers union in recent weeks has outwardly supported the borrowing scenarios proposed by Johnson’s aides. —Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025

But at least outwardly, China doesn’t appear overly concerned about the impact of the new tariffs or in a rush to placate Trump to stave off more. —Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC News, 9 Mar. 2025

This was a more outwardly liberal family from the West Coast, whereas the Ratcliffs are southern and conservative. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

outwardly

adverb

out·​ward·​ly ˈau̇t-wərd-lē 

: on the outside : in outward appearance

outwardly calm