Synonyms of rumor

rumor 1 of 2

noun

ˈrü-mər 

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

• gossip
• report
• talk
• whisper
• hearsay
• noise
• whispering
• word
• buzz
• scuttlebutt
• tale
• dish
• tattle
• propaganda
• hint
• rumbling
• intimation
• scandal
• disinformation
• dirt
• urban legend

rumor

2 of 2

verb

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

• whisper
• reveal
• hint
• circulate
• suggest
• report
• gossip
• noise (about or abroad)
• imply
• tell
• bruit (about)
• disclose
• dish
• divulge
• spill
• tattle
• blab
• expose
• proclaim
• bandy (about)
• bare
• let on (about)
• intimate
• insinuate
• promulgate
• propagate
• publicize
• broadcast
• spread
• blaze

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rumor

Noun

He was also asked about rumors on social media that have falsely accused Patrick Clancy of murder. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

Bethany Donaphin Head of WNBA league operations As rumors swirled about Engelbert’s enture, insiders around the league have been mentioning Donaphin as a potential replacement. — Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Verb

It was rumored that smokejumpers might even become a test case for the consolidation, prompting speculation about shrinking budgets and potential base closures. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

This is the first instance of confirmation that Xbox’s Project Helix is not just an individual box, long thought to be a PC/console hybrid, but a family of multiple devices, something rumored, but not said outright, officially. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026