outwardly
Americanadverb
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as regards appearance or outward manifestation.
outwardly charming; outwardly considerate.
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on the outside or outer surface; externally.
Outwardly, the fruit was rough to the touch.
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toward the outside.
The pier stretched outwardly from the shore.
adverb
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in outward appearance
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with reference to the outside or outer surface; externally
Etymology
Origin of outwardly
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at outward, -ly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Yes, outwardly, Lamb is, as Herron writes, a “sentient grease stain,” but Oldman believes he possesses a “strong moral and ethical compass.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 1, 2026
Young people today appear less outwardly patriotic, but many have a different understanding of patriotism.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026
Both Toto Wolff and Russell, at least outwardly, questioned whether McLaren were making a mistake last year in their 'let them race' policy.
From BBC ● Mar. 31, 2026
There seems little outwardly wrong with the company’s performance.
From Barron's ● Dec. 11, 2025
Inwardly Badenhorst must have been fuming, but outwardly he seemed chastened.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
