alleged

adjective

al·​leged ə-ˈlejd  -ˈle-jəd 

1

: accused but not proven or convicted

an alleged burglar

2

: asserted to be true or to exist

an alleged miracle

an alleged conspiracy

3

: questionably true or of a specified kind : supposed, so-called

bought an alleged antique vase

allegedly

ə-ˈle-jəd-lē 

adverb

She allegedly stole the money. [=she is alleged to have stolen the money]

Examples of alleged in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The appeal comes as Meta faces mounting legal challenges nationwide, including a $375-million New Mexico jury penalty over alleged harm to children’s mental health and online safety. — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

The judge rejected that explanation, writing that Byrne did not provide evidence showing the official had direct knowledge of any alleged contact with Biden. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 11 July 2026

The company’s fleet of Broncos has also drawn the ire of Ford over alleged trademark and advertising violations, sparking a lawsuit that remains pending. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026

Italy and Poland cracked down on alleged spying by Russia, moves that come as analysts warned that the Kremlin may be looking to expand its use of hybrid warfare as its battlefield efforts in Ukraine stall. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of allege

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for alleged

• dredged
• edged
• fledged
• hedged
• pledged
• wedged
• unpledged

Legal Definition

alleged

adjective

al·​leged ə-ˈlejd, -ˈle-jəd 

1

: asserted to be true

especially : stated in an allegation

alleged crimes

2

: accused but not yet proven or convicted

trial of alleged war criminals

—R. G. Neumann