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
The 12 countries targeted – plus seven more, which face partial restrictions – are mostly nations with frosty, adversarial or outwardly antagonistic relations with Washington.
—
Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
This is a year of reflection both inwardly and outwardly.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 1 June 2025
Yet the siblings’ new environment curdles pretty quickly as Laura becomes unduly fascinated with Piper’s similarities to her deceased child, and is outwardly hostile toward the fiercely protective Andy.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025
Most industry professionals expressed optimism as well (at least outwardly) for a scenario in which e-bikes grow ridership, stoke trail building, and get more Americans exercising.
—Gloria Liu, Outside Online, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for outwardly
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Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
This is a year of reflection both inwardly and outwardly.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 1 June 2025
Yet the siblings’ new environment curdles pretty quickly as Laura becomes unduly fascinated with Piper’s similarities to her deceased child, and is outwardly hostile toward the fiercely protective Andy.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025
Most industry professionals expressed optimism as well (at least outwardly) for a scenario in which e-bikes grow ridership, stoke trail building, and get more Americans exercising.
—Gloria Liu, Outside Online, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for outwardly
Cite this Entry
“Outwardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outwardly. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outwardly
adverb
out·ward·ly
ˈau̇t-wərd-lē
: on the outside : in outward appearance
outwardly calm
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