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 The man supposedly approached the cruiser for unknown reasons at this time, and during the encounter, the man ended up running from the officer. — Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 24 Oct. 2026 So a quick look at where an app supposedly originated may not tell the whole story. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 There’s a gleaming hospital and a string of new downtown spots to supplement The Bar, the beloved dive that was supposedly among the inspirations for the Patch Café in the TV series Landman, which is set here. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Another transport official died of supposedly acute heart failure the same day. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 22 Oct. 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
  • That little girl was apparently perfectly built for fraud, somehow, and found the perfect environment in Silicon Valley, where exaggeration and outright lying were de rigueur.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Just before the second half began, a number of fans were given transgender pride flags, apparently in an effort to obstruct other spectators' view of the banner and XX-XY supporters.
    — Matt Calkins , Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of apparently
Adverb
  • Unicycles and prizes By now, a light drizzle has set in, but the two unicyclists are still making their rounds in the car park, seemingly undeterred.
    — Julie Bourdin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Despite the collaborative nature of Act V, the power play came out when Usher sat on a throne with a diamond crown— seemingly asserting himself as R&B’s King.
    — Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of seemingly
Adverb
  • Reiki rests on the same premise but, ostensibly, can be done remotely, even via Zoom.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The remaining ads were sponsored by independent candidates or groups weighing in on issues that were not ostensibly partisan.
    — Anagilmara Vílchez, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of ostensibly
Adverb
  • Maria was also, evidently, happy to advise those who wanted to follow in her footsteps.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The fire evidently began with an explosion, the department said via Facebook.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of evidently
Adverb
  • The initial injury presumably came during the Timberwolves’ win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, as he was seen grabbing at that right knee.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The California Sound are presumably the Beach Boys touring band minus Love, but that is not confirmed.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of presumably
Adverb
  • So the theoretical maximum is 256 ESSMs rather than 64 missiles, although a practical loadout would probably mix missile types.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The overall answer probably won't surprise you, but the nitty-gritty details might.
    — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of probably

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supposedly
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Cite this Entry

“Supposedly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supposedly. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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