PURPORTEDLY Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

purportedly

adverb

Definition of purportedly

as in allegedly

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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 purportedly The announcement of the senior appointments, purportedly made by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Monday, followed the naming of a new national security chief, Mohsen Rezaie, a day earlier. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 Even pages that are purportedly drawing millions of views aren’t updating. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 6 Aug. 2026 Officials alleged that some billed Medicaid for services that were never provided, including care purportedly delivered while aides or recipients were incarcerated, hospitalized, traveling overseas, or working other jobs. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Aug. 2026 These toads would be boiled down in billycans to produce a sludgy brew, which the hippies purportedly drank. — Kimon De Greef, Longreads, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purportedly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for purportedly

Adverb

Police said the incident began when Smith allegedly stole a BMW from a local dealership on Monday.

— Abby Dodge, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
The hackers allegedly stole more than 31 terabytes of academic data and intellectual property from universities, as well as emails and other information from employees at private companies, government agencies, and NGOs.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of allegedly

Adverb

What also rang true for me was the way that, in the course of the season, Deborah said no to so many of the ideas her writers had supposedly submitted.

— Merrill Markoe, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
The drone boat itself supposedly carried explosives, according to Miruță’s comments, as reported by Reuters.

— Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of supposedly

Adverb

Because apparently groceries need to be accelerated urgently.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026
Clancy then ingested prescription medication, slashed her wrists and neck with a knife, and apparently threw herself head first out of a second-story window, resulting in permanent paralysis from the sternum down.

— Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of apparently

Adverb

The teen, now in her 20s, was reportedly enrolled at Sacramento State last year – released under Project Rebound, the Cal State version of the UC system's Underground Scholars program.

— Julie Watts August 20, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Families of service members on board had reportedly raised concerns about the crew’s mental health and conditions on the carrier.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of reportedly

Adverb

Critics dismissed the polls, held in phases in December and January, as a sham designed to consolidate the military’s grip on power while ostensibly restoring civilian rule.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
The ostensibly patriotic event repeated every year, serving as a kind of decoy, an excuse for tribal members to gather and dance.

— Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of ostensibly

Adverb

The backstory Dating from the 15th century, and with a facade that was reputedly designed by Michelangelo, Villa San Michele was originally the property of the Davanzati family and then a Franciscan monastery.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Martinelli may be caught up in that — as may Myles Lewis-Skelly, reputedly offered to Manchester United and Chelsea by intermediaries.

— James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of reputedly

Adverb

With Hjobjerg seemingly having turned Newcastle down and Palhinha appearing likely to move elsewhere, Ross Wilson, the club’s sporting director, is exploring alternative midfield options.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Even seemingly small details, like an owl carved into the hospital’s columns, carry deeper meaning.

— Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of seemingly

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purportedly

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“Purportedly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purportedly. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of purportedly

adverb

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