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.
Young people today appear less outwardly patriotic, but many have a different understanding of patriotism.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
There seems little outwardly wrong with the company’s performance.
From Barron's • Dec. 11, 2025
In the hours before Lord Mandelson's sacking, even those in government and outwardly loyal to the prime minister's position at the time, were struggling.
From BBC • Sep. 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
But that part of him which always made him at least outwardly adjusted to what was expected of him made him now keep what his body wanted out of full consciousness.
From "Native Son" by Richard Wright
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.
