supposedly

adverb

sə-ˈpō-zəd-lē How to pronounce supposedly (audio)
Definition of supposedlynext
as in apparently
to all outward appearances she's supposedly too sick to come—or so she says

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 supposedly With the series level 1–1, the third Test in Adelaide was highly anticipated; Pataudi was dropped, supposedly for opposing the bodyline tactic. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026 Heilmann took the supposedly impersonal unit of modern art, the rectangle, and embodied it. — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026 In an email to Dantona, the liaison said that the weeds were supposedly more than 12 inches. — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Nashua High was a huge school, my graduating class was over 1,000, supposedly one of New England’s largest high schools. — John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for supposedly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supposedly
  1. apparently
  2. seemingly
  3. ostensibly
  4. evidently
  5. presumably
  6. probably
Adverb
  • But the company and Forbes apparently had a close relationship.
    — Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Venus does cast a shadow, but the sky must be very dark, transparent and free of any light — apparently.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of apparently
Adverb
  • With Hjobjerg seemingly having turned Newcastle down and Palhinha appearing likely to move elsewhere, Ross Wilson, the club’s sporting director, is exploring alternative midfield options.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Even seemingly small details, like an owl carved into the hospital’s columns, carry deeper meaning.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of seemingly
Adverb
  • Critics dismissed the polls, held in phases in December and January, as a sham designed to consolidate the military’s grip on power while ostensibly restoring civilian rule.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The ostensibly patriotic event repeated every year, serving as a kind of decoy, an excuse for tribal members to gather and dance.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of ostensibly
Adverb
  • But with the Red Sox evidently set on their major-league catching options, Knizner is looking elsewhere.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Arendt, evidently depressed and convinced of life’s meaninglessness, found his teaching electrifying.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of evidently
Adverb
  • Bou Meng’s first wife was arrested with him and disappeared from the prison, and presumably was executed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • What follows is presumably the narrator’s effort to make good on his or her threat.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of presumably
Adverb
  • That ability is probably there for just about every retailer, even the tiniest ones, according to Linda Toth, executive director of Conexxus, an industry technology group that supports convenience stores and gas stations.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Tottenham are probably still well set defensively, even after the two high-profile departures this week.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of probably

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Cite this Entry

“Supposedly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supposedly. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of supposedly for Spanish Speakers

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