outwardly

adverb

out·ward·ly ˈau̇t-wərd-lē

Synonyms of outwardly

: on the outside : externally

: toward the outside

: 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.

The latter deal was outwardly portrayed as a model of smart business. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Seabrook’s primary focus was on Vodou aka voodoo rituals, which had long constituted an underground religious practice amongst populations outwardly accepting of Catholicism. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 31 July 2026 Ormund makes insinuations that his cousin is gay, which makes Ormund at once the most outwardly homophobic and sexist character in the show presently. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Many people may feel hesitant to be themselves, while outwardly searching for a deeper connection. — Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 20 July 2026 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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Outwardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outwardly. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

outwardly

adverb

out·ward·ly ˈau̇t-wərd-lē

: on the outside : in outward appearance

outwardly calm

outwardly

adverb

Examples of outwardly in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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