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.
While for years China pressured North Korea to halt the development of nuclear weapons, it has recently stopped such demands, at least outwardly.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
This is a reference to the foreign secretary and outwardly gives cover to Sir Olly's anticipated defence, that the law states he should be discreet with information gathered during vetting.
From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026
There seems little outwardly wrong with the company’s performance.
From Barron's • Dec. 11, 2025
Nothing seems to get in the way of second-year resident Mel King’s outwardly cheerful demeanor.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2025
We were more outwardly directed than the town we came from.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
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.
