Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ostensible reason

phrase
/əˈstɛnsəbl ˈriːzn/
Definition
The apparent or stated reason for something, often concealing the true reason or motivation.
Examples
  • The ostensible reason for her resignation was personal matters.
  • He provided an ostensible reason for his absence that didn’t seem quite genuine.
  • While the ostensible reason for the meeting was to discuss budget cuts, the real issue was employee dissatisfaction.
Meaning
An ostensible reason is the reason that is presented or claimed, which may not accurately reflect the real intention or cause behind an action or situation.
Synonyms
  • apparent reason
  • supposed reason
  • seeming cause