At face value is a common phrase that means accepting something as true based solely on its outward appearance or initial impression. There are several synonyms for this phrase such as taking something at its word, accepting something prima facie, accepting something on its surface, accepting something without question or verifying, accepting something on its merit, accepting something without further inquiry, and accepting something as it seems. All of these phrases imply a level of trust in the initial appearance or statement of something, without necessarily requiring further investigation or evidence. However, it is important to remember that accepting something at face value can also lead to misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions, so it is important to remain cautious and remain open to further investigation.