as in seemingly
to all outward appearances
the lake's putatively pristine water is actually crawling with microorganisms that can wreak havoc with your gastrointestinal system
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Recent Examples of putatively
From the perspective of a world of increasingly unimaginable maldistribution of resources, cascading ecological collapse, a genocide cheered on by a putatively liberal order, both are barbarisms.
—
Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for putatively
Adverb
-
As usual, Coon thrives in ambiguity, layering a seemingly straightforward woman with depth.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Good briefly put the vehicle in reverse, then shifted into drive and hit the gas, with the wheels seemingly turned to the right instead of directly ahead toward Ross.—
Allison Gordon,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Former assemblywoman Autumn Burke was also apparently considering a run for lieutenant governor this year.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Reuters reported that the claim about al-Shabab apparently made its way to Trump via several Republican lawmakers.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
11 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
The most famous, perhaps, was of lung cancer patient David Prueitt, who swallowed a supposedly lethal dose of medication and awoke three days later.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
9 Jan. 2026
-
But as Robby is (supposedly) on his way out, some fresh faces are navigating their very first day in the fray of the Pitt.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
But for now, the people holding the guns and ostensibly running the country are not her supporters, but Nicolás Maduro's.—
Duarte Dias,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Patience is ostensibly a requirement for 21st century Dolphins fans, and more again will be needed.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
5 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
By Sunday evening, Powell had evidently had enough.—
Scott Horsley,
NPR,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Skubal’s side evidently saw little point in advancing the discussions.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Additionally, the film will finally unite the Avengers with several actors from Fox's X-Men films, which took place in a separate universe that will presumably crash into Disney's MCU.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
-
He’s been spotted in the Bay Area, living his life, presumably enjoying the microclimates and the ability to put the pedal to the metal on Tasman Drive.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Honestly, your friend will probably put them on immediately upon opening.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Higher elevations will probably have blooms from April through May, possibly even June.—
Outside,
Outside,
15 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Cleverley said the first floor of the building will likely house the ICCU branch, a couple of restaurants, and possibly a coffee shop.—
Mark Dee
January 13,
Idaho Statesman,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The Pentagon would likely want to move additional assets to the area to help protect those troops against possible retaliatory strikes.—
Anne Flaherty,
ABC News,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Putatively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/putatively. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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