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.
Maggie Kuntz is heartbreaking as the girl whose friendships are tested by her loyalty to her creepy father, and Morgan Scott, as the outwardly confident Atlanta girl, registers every undercurrent and slight. Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2025 Musk seems, at least outwardly, unable to reckon with his current position. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 2 Apr. 2025 Both camps seemed outwardly confident heading into Tuesday’s toss-up election. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2025 Ne-Yo is in the era of embracing his truth, and that looks like being outwardly polyamorous. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 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 24 Apr. 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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