alleged

adjective

al·​leged ə-ˈlejd How to pronounce alleged (audio) -ˈle-jəd How to pronounce alleged (audio)
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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During the alleged incident, Combs threw a hanger at Morgan, later paying a settlement after the fact. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 15 May 2025 The city has paid around $100 million to settle alleged police misconduct so far this year, with hundreds more cases looming. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025 The 36-year-old was arrested in the United Kingdom this week in connection with an alleged 2023 assault. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 15 May 2025 More details about Diddy’s alleged criminal misdeeds have come out since his arrest last year. Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for alleged

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of allege

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of alleged was in 1509

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alleged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alleged. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Legal Definition

alleged

adjective
1
: asserted to be true
especially : stated in an allegation
alleged crimes
2
: accused but not yet proven or convicted
trial of alleged war criminalsR. G. Neumann

More from Merriam-Webster on alleged

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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