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 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 But the sheer fervor of protest from putative allies stunned Eaddy. — Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026 If that theory still holds, putative 2028 Democratic candidate Rahm Emanuel has an early advantage — in the bike lane. — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2026 Many of our putative Gulf allies may rethink their ally-ship. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for putative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for putative

Adjective

This change is apparent in the fact that European governments, too, are cutting funding for religious freedom advocacy.

— Matthew Schmitz, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
Ken Urker, the partner of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, made comments about being depressed before being found dead in his Louisiana home from an apparent drug overdose, authorities said.

— Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

Meanwhile, linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin has been upgraded to probable after initially being listed as questionable.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
Her students turn Percy Shelley into a misogynist and probable rapist, then attack the idea that anything written by such a man might remain worth reading.

— Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of probable

Adjective

Every metre between two chips adds a nanosecond to the processing time, so the idea is to pack as many as possible closely together.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 27 Sep. 2026
And for people who work overnight or face an occasional period of severe sleep loss, getting enough rest may not always be possible in the moment.

— Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of possible

Adjective

Last month, a federal judge ordered the Department of Defense to move forward with processing applications for wind farm licenses that had been held up over ostensible national security concerns.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
In the film’s ostensible present, as the lengthy raid unfolds, a noble, unnamed police constable (Anurag Thakur) objects to his superiors’ methods and their persecution of Devi at large.

— Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of ostensible

Adjective

Anger at the seeming inability of successive governments to deal with the issue has been behind a series of demonstrations and riots and has fueled the rise of the hard-right Reform UK party.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Adding to that sense of inherent agility and the seeming ability to pounce are the standard 21-inch wheels fit with iron brakes, though carbon-ceramic stoppers are also an option.

— Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of seeming

Adjective

Venus in your sign opposes the Moon in your partnership zone, increasing attraction while making differences in comfort, affection, or timing more obvious.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
Perhaps those ratios seem obvious; just about half the money from a little less than half the screens.

— Brian Welk, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 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 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of putative

adjective

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