unsubstantiated
adjective
un·sub·stan·ti·at·ed
ˌən-səb-ˈstan(t)-shē-ˌā-təd 
: not proven to be true : not substantiated
an unsubstantiated rumor/report
a plausible but unsubstantiated theory
Synonyms
Examples of unsubstantiated in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Americans who were freed include three who were imprisoned after they were sentenced on unsubstantiated charges of spying.
—
Analisa Novak, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2023
From the unsubstantiated premise that Biden has taken bribes, Trump goes on to allege foreign blackmail caused Biden to take certain actions.
—Isaac Arnsdorf, Anchorage Daily News, 8 Sep. 2023
Earlier this year, a document began circulating among investors and founders, detailing aggressive, and unsubstantiated, allegations against Tiger.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2023
Trump’s presidential campaign aired a television ad in August that leveled unsubstantiated claims against Willis, and also attacked Bragg, Smith, and New York Attorney General Letitia James (D), who has sued the Trump Organization and Trump family.
—Jacqueline Alemany, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2023
Brands are typically proud of their sustainability and brag about it in their product descriptions — so watch out for unsubstantiated claims and non-demonstrated impact.
—Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2023
The incident happened just two days after the Eiffel Tower was evacuated over what was determined to be an unsubstantiated bomb threat.
—Greg Norman, Fox News, 16 Aug. 2023
Another allegation, also unsubstantiated, involved money laundering by George Soros, the billionaire investor and liberal donor.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2023
Several losing political parties, including that of President Alejandro Giammattei and another of the daughter of a military dictator convicted of genocide, filed unsubstantiated claims of fraud in the election.
—Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2023
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Analisa Novak, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2023
From the unsubstantiated premise that Biden has taken bribes, Trump goes on to allege foreign blackmail caused Biden to take certain actions.
—Isaac Arnsdorf, Anchorage Daily News, 8 Sep. 2023
Earlier this year, a document began circulating among investors and founders, detailing aggressive, and unsubstantiated, allegations against Tiger.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2023
Trump’s presidential campaign aired a television ad in August that leveled unsubstantiated claims against Willis, and also attacked Bragg, Smith, and New York Attorney General Letitia James (D), who has sued the Trump Organization and Trump family.
—Jacqueline Alemany, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2023
Brands are typically proud of their sustainability and brag about it in their product descriptions — so watch out for unsubstantiated claims and non-demonstrated impact.
—Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2023
The incident happened just two days after the Eiffel Tower was evacuated over what was determined to be an unsubstantiated bomb threat.
—Greg Norman, Fox News, 16 Aug. 2023
Another allegation, also unsubstantiated, involved money laundering by George Soros, the billionaire investor and liberal donor.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2023
Several losing political parties, including that of President Alejandro Giammattei and another of the daughter of a military dictator convicted of genocide, filed unsubstantiated claims of fraud in the election.
—Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unsubstantiated.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1775, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of unsubstantiated was
circa 1775
Articles Related to unsubstantiated
Dictionary Entries Near unsubstantiated
Cite this Entry
“Unsubstantiated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsubstantiated. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.
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