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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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 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 These putative restorers of greatness evoke a vision of the past that never was and sell it to those who feel a loss of identity in the present. — Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for putative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for putative

Adjective

Pride in our rising football team is already apparent across campus and is growing throughout the surrounding neighborhoods.

— Monique Carroll, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
An apparent Education Department data error is causing student loan forgiveness credit to be wiped out overnight, setting borrowers back and causing widespread panic.

— Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

The official announcement confirming this special event is typically made two weeks in advance, suggesting Wednesday, August 26, as the probable date.

— David Phelan, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
However, official coroner's reports revealed her cause of death to be probable alcohol withdrawal seizures brought on by chronic alcohol use disorder.

— Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of probable

Adjective

This gracious grand dame has possibly the best possible address in all of Stockholm, overlooking Strökajen Harbor in the city’s Norrmalm district, a short walk from the Royal Palace and the Old Town.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Authorities haven't stated a possible cause for the other two fires.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of possible

Adjective

In the sole panel now summarizing Washington’s participation, nearly every paragraph makes some mention of his ostensible antislavery views.

— John Garrison Marks, The Atlantic, 25 July 2026
The tea party emerged during Barack Obama’s presidency as a far-right ideological movement with an ostensible focus on fiscal conservatism.

— Charlie Hunt, The Conversation, 7 July 2026

Definition of ostensible

Adjective

These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
The princess was spotted wearing a gold nautical charm bracelet on her wrist—a seeming nod to the one famously given to her late grandmother Princess Diana by her then-husband Prince Charles after their wedding on July 29, 1981.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 13 July 2026

Definition of seeming

Adjective

Areas where forecasts consistently predict clear skies — or persistent cloud — will become increasingly obvious as eclipse day approaches.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
The choice of Bailey as the newest Giorgio Armani global fragrance ambassador was obvious.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of putative

adjective

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