Definition of hearsaynext
as in rumor
information or opinion that is widely disseminated without any authority or confirmation of accuracy supposedly, he's planning to quit, but that's only hearsay

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of hearsay District Attorney James Stainton objected that the answer would call for hearsay. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026 Rather than operating on hearsay or memory, both of which are highly fallible, a flowchart outlines precisely what each section of a team is doing and allows everyone to work together in greater synchrony. — William Jones, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026 Calm sea and prosperous voyage—a dream for Goethe and Mendelssohn, for any parent, and perhaps for all men and women—was but a hearsay. — Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026 Former special counsel Jack Smith repeatedly sidestepped pointed questions about the credibility of January 6 committee witness Cassidy Hutchinson, despite previously acknowledging her most explosive claims amounted to secondhand hearsay. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hearsay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hearsay
rumor
Noun
  • With local cops, plagued by rumors of departmental misdeeds, looking for a peaceful solution and federal authorities contemplating extreme action, the situation escalates.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The growing fear in the community and rumors of undercover ICE agents in churches and church parking lots in other areas of the country has lead pastors to make major changes to their programming.
    — Lauren Costantino September 19, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hearsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hearsay. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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