outwardly

adverb

out·​ward·​ly ˈau̇t-wərd-lē How to pronounce outwardly (audio)
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
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.
Ne-Yo is in the era of embracing his truth, and that looks like being outwardly polyamorous. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 Feb. 2025 So far, the student writing a thesis on Buddhism (Sarah Catherine Hook's Piper) seems most outwardly invested in the experience. Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Feb. 2025 As mayor, Adams was outwardly sympathetic to Republicans’ tough-on-crime stance. Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Feb. 2025 Fruit not outwardly aesthetically pleasing — misshapen or greenish — is removed by hand and sold elsewhere to become juice. Jack Randall, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outwardly

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of outwardly was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outwardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outwardly. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

outwardly

adverb
out·​ward·​ly ˈau̇t-wərd-lē How to pronounce outwardly (audio)
: on the outside : in outward appearance
outwardly calm

More from Merriam-Webster on outwardly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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