Synonyms

on the face of it

Idioms

Seemingly, based on available evidence, as in On the face of it this project should break even in six months. This idiom uses face in the sense of “a superficial view.” [Early 1700s]

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.

on the face of it

It would seem, on the face of it, a straightforward decision.

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026

Previous variants were more dangerous on the face of it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

Oracle has a $523 billion revenue backlog which is impressive on the face of it.

From Barron's ● Dec. 11, 2025

His offer of a life estate is, on the face of it, generous.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 11, 2025

She had gotten dressed up and now, at least on the face of it, appeared less glum than before.

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