apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.
the apparent cause of the accident
illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.
an illusory sense of security
seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.
the seeming simplicity of the story
ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.
the ostensible reason for their visit
Example Sentences
an illusory sense of security
Recent Examples on the WebCould the bevy of anomalously big and bright early galaxies be illusory, perhaps because of flaws in analysis of the telescope’s initial observations? Jonathan O'callaghan, Scientific American, 14 Sep. 2022 It’s also an extended rumination on the illusory, entropic nature of the cinematic medium itself. Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2022 But any promised benefit from this arrangement is illusory. Michael Buschbacher, WSJ, 7 Aug. 2022 Frontier Chairman William Franke on Monday urged Spirit shareholders to vote for the Frontier deal and said JetBlue’s proposal is illusory and likely to be blocked by antitrust regulators. Alison Sider, WSJ, 27 June 2022 Three decades after Gorbachev’s speech, the respite now seems illusory. Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2022 In this imaginary world, the direction pointing into the interior seems illusory, like the depth of a hologram.Quanta Magazine, 20 Apr. 2022 Congress must resolve that executive agreements are illusory and unenforceable, so that other nations are reminded that the United States recognizes only obligations accepted under American law — treaties and statutes. Andrew C. Mccarthy, National Review, 19 Mar. 2022 Some of it may be very good; some of it may be completely illusory or even harmful. John Koetsier, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2022 See More