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
-
In her ruling Monday, Snyder blocked only the ban on masking by federal agents, and on seemingly narrow grounds.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The 38-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins captain has always handled pressure with a seemingly innate knowing and calm.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
And yes, apparently that was a real wedding that happened during the halftime show, according to Variety.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Panarin has a no-move clause, and apparently was quite willing to use it as leverage to control his destination.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
According to the Wall Street Journal, Karp knew Epstein professionally through his work representing Leon Black, the Wall Street billionaire who paid Epstein more than a hundred and fifty million dollars, supposedly for tax and estate planning.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Trump is supposedly a very big fan of the Rush Hour franchise and is hoping for a new installment.—
Hanna Rosin,
The Atlantic,
7 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Although the collection was ostensibly fall, the brand follows a non-seasonal approach with most garments light enough to be worn in cool temperatures or as layering pieces in the cold.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
6 Feb. 2026
-
For years, the consensus in this country has been that a mother’s job is, ostensibly, to protect her children at all costs.—
Ej Dickson,
Rolling Stone,
6 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The revelation is evidently taking its toll on Musk, who began a desperate campaign to clear his name on social media.—
Joe Wilkins Published Feb 5,
Futurism,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The loan route was there and, evidently, a means to finding the money down the line was there too.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Lastly, the letter writer presumably does not understand the concept that all immigrants have a right to file a claim of asylum.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The kit includes a 1-ounce tin of premium Baerii Sturgeon caviar from Paramount Caviar, a $25 McDonald's gift card (presumably for the nuggets), crème fraîche and a Mother of Pearl caviar spoon to complete the experience.—
Eddie Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Some are strong sellers that are being made available at sizeable discounts, while others are older medications, have inexpensive generic alternatives or are being offered at prices that are probably comparable to what drugmakers receive from insurers.—
Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Most are passionate about food and/or art, probably the two leading draws for anyone visiting San Miguel.—
Megan Spurrell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Hockey experts have referred to the Canadian as a generational talent who could likely hear his name called first at June’s player draft in Buffalo, New York.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The chapel, a voice-over recording explained, was likely founded by monks in the early ninth century before the Arab conquest in 859 AD, and was used by shepherds to shelter their flocks until it was rediscovered in 1963.—
Adam Erace,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Putatively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/putatively. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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