superficial means on the surface, related to the surface, or the exterior of a building, or even the human body. "He was lucky to survive the accident, and even luckier to walk away from it with only superficial injuries." ostensible means apparent or seemingly authentic, conspicuous, and outwardly appearing as such.... he is the ostensible class clown according to the substitute teacher. Mark Jameson made funny comments all throughout their first day of school together as teacher and student. Manny Paquiao is the ostensible champion of boxing. Britney Spears is the ostensible heir to Madonna's popstar throne.