ostensibly

adv

1. (modal, not-comparable)Seemingly, apparently, on the surface; supposedly, according to representations or implications made by someone (especially when their motives are suspected by others).

   “Near-synonyms: reportedly, reputedly, purportedly, putatively, rumoredly, supposedly, allegedly, possibly, probably, likely, plausibly, presumably; see also Thesaurus:ostensibly”

   “His interest in the railway was ostensibly a hobby, but people began wondering why he was taking photos of specific trains and specific equipment.”

   “Her interest in his welfare was ostensibly charitable and magnanimous, but people began wondering who was going to inherit his assets when he died.”

   “On 13 June the peshwa signed a new treaty, ostensibly complying with the demands of the British government[…]”

   “Up to a year or two ago it had been the custom to kill horses in the yards — ostensibly for fertilizer; […]”