as in gossip
information or opinion that is widely disseminated without any authority or confirmation of accuracy
rumor has it that she's planning to shut down the company
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in to whisper
to make (as a piece of information) the subject of common talk without any authority or confirmation of accuracy
for years people have been rumoring the CEO's imminent retirement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rumor
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2026
The pair first sparked dating rumors in August 2025 after they were spotted in Rome walking together arm-in-arm.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026
In a moment when larger fairs are rumored by market insiders to be having trouble filling up their booths, some dealers are betting on small fairs, often in stylish hotels, some of them away from art-market hubs, as a way to offer a different kind of experience.
—Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rumor
Noun
Just one day after dropping a surprise prequel episode, FX confirmed long-standing rumors that the upcoming fifth season of The Bear will be its last.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2026
The pair first sparked dating rumors in August 2025 after they were spotted in Rome walking together arm-in-arm.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Verb
Casting was first rumored six weeks ago by TheInSneider.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026
In a moment when larger fairs are rumored by market insiders to be having trouble filling up their booths, some dealers are betting on small fairs, often in stylish hotels, some of them away from art-market hubs, as a way to offer a different kind of experience.
—Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rumor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rumor
Noun
-
Fulton covers sections of the city east of the 101 Freeway, writing voicey blurbs that collect upcoming events, intriguing real-estate listings, and niche celebrity gossip.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
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Through scenes of gossip, frolicking and even a foot chase as cops try to shut the revelry down, Basholli introduces her setting (Prishtina, Kosovo in the late ‘90s) as though the audience were an eager participant in every conversation, and privy to the girls’ secrets.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Verb
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League sources have whispered since late October that Mosley’s job could be in jeopardy, and although Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman declined to make an in-season coaching change despite several puzzling lopsided defeats, the Magic announced Mosley’s dismissal Monday.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
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And there’s already whispering that eventual new ownership will push for a remodeled ballpark to include a retractable roof.—
Charley Walters,
Twin Cities,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
The report, which was reviewed by The Times, blamed the issue on lax oversight and confusion among officers about when they were required to turn on their cameras.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
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Rachel Barber Oil prices continued to fall Thursday on reports that Iranian officials are reviewing a peace framework that could help end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
The necropsies also revealed pneumonia and infections from a broad array of pathogens.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
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Strout indicates that their potential will be fulfilled in short, jump-ahead passages — one of the passages reveals that Artie inspires an awkward girl named Rhonda to help other people by becoming a minister.—
Chris Hewitt,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
Noun
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The most recent back-and-forth over talks comes after a week of sporadic clashes in the Persian Gulf, amid a month-long ceasefire.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
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Markets have soared and oil prices have dropped over the last week, however, amid anticipation that a deal could be close after weeks of talks and occasional setbacks.—
Peter Nicholas,
NBC news,
10 May 2026
Verb
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At the last rate-setting meeting in April, three members of the committee hinted their next move could as easily be a rate increase as a cut.—
Scott Horsley,
NPR,
13 May 2026
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Despite getting demoted from protagonist to fatality victim, Tan hints that he might not be done with Mortal Kombat — even if Cole and his now-two-dimensional noggin are.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
12 May 2026
Noun
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District Attorney James Stainton objected that the answer would call for hearsay.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
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Rather than operating on hearsay or memory, both of which are highly fallible, a flowchart outlines precisely what each section of a team is doing and allows everyone to work together in greater synchrony.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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According to the filing, Kilcher learned the truth late last year when a broadcast video interview with Cameron began circulating on social media.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
7 May 2026
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The footage, which has been circulated widely on social media, shows the object narrowly missing the animal as onlookers react with alarm.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rumor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rumor. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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