PUTATIVE Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

putative

adjective

ˈpyü-tə-tiv

Definition of putative

as in apparent

appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed the putative reason for her dismissal was poor job performance

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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 putative The availability of metallic catalysts is only one part of the problem of how LUCA’s putative metabolic system could have been enabled. — Philip Ball, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026 Once in office, Nixon deployed Vice President Spiro Agnew to verbally assault journalists for their putative bias and elitism. — Heather Hendershot, The Conversation, 31 July 2026 Neither the ministry nor the official who spoke to Reuters gave any further details on the putative ceasefire discussions. — Reuters, NBC news, 20 July 2026 Their putative wedding date comes nearly three years after June 8, 2023, when the Eras Tour hit Kansas City. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for putative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for putative

Adjective

One of the significant developments from Thursday's meeting was the apparent progress toward securing European participation in future negotiations with Russia and Ukraine.

— Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2026
Despite the apparent lack of progress, opponents have continued to organize demonstrations against the proposal.

— Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been dealing with a sprained right wrist, was upgraded from probable to available.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2026
Carter has missed the past six games with a lower leg injury and was listed as probable for Saturday’s game.

— Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of probable

Adjective

Digital twin technology makes this possible by creating virtual representations of real-world objects, systems, and processes that can be updated with operational data.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
The meteorological agency warned people to brace for possible strong quakes in the coming week, especially the next two to three days.

— Yuri Kageyama, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of possible

Adjective

The timing suggested that the United States was consciously undercutting an ostensible ally, pressuring Zelensky to step aside or risk catastrophic outcomes on the battlefield.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
But even absent that, congressional Democrats can partner with international experts to help determine who was killed and for what ostensible reason.

— Anjali Dayal, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of ostensible

Adjective

The guessing game about who will lead the department in the near future has been fueled at least in part by Raman’s seeming indecisiveness on the matter.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
Here is another mindless invitation to participation out of a seeming fear of the artwork being allowed to exist for itself, without some form of justification or declaration of benevolence.

— Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of seeming

Adjective

While Pentagon funding is the most obvious must for some Republicans, others would push to include measures to address the cost of living, elections, farm aid, and more.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2026
Though Pasta was not a traditional Italian restaurant, offering only a couple of appetizers and desserts and pasta dishes, the glut was obvious.

— Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of obvious

Browse Nearby Words

put aside

putative

putatively

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“Putative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/putative. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of putative

adjective

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