The playground 'gives every appearance of' being a safe place for children [=the playground appears to be a safe place for children], but a tragic accident occurred there recently.
He has announced that this will be his final/last 'appearance' with the band. [=the last time that he will perform in public with the band]
I wasn't expecting him to come and was surprised by his sudden 'appearance'. [=I was surprised when he suddenly appeared/arrived]
(..) Objection. Your Honor, it's obvious that Lieutenant Kaffee's intention... is the smear a high-ranking Marine officer... in the hope that the mere appearance of impropriety will win him points. It's my recommendation, sir, that Lieutenant Kaffee be reprimanded... and the witness be excused (..)1992 A Few Good Men