allegedly
Americanadverb
adverb
-
reportedly; supposedly
payments allegedly made to a former colleague
-
(sentence modifier) it is alleged that
interjection
Usage
What does allegedly mean? Allegedly means according to what has been claimed. It’s used to describe an action or situation that someone claims happened but that has not been confirmed or proven, especially a crime. Allegedly is the adverb form of the adjective alleged, which itself comes from the past tense of the verb allege, meaning to claim without proof or before proof is available. Such an accusation is called an allegation. Allegedly is most commonly used in a legal context, especially in journalism in reports about a person who has been accused of a crime or other wrongdoing but who has not been convicted. Using the word allegedly allows journalists to talk about allegations without seeming to presume guilt (and getting sued for libel). Example: Mr. Jones allegedly stole from his company over a period of 15 years.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of allegedly
Explanation
If someone is said to be allegedly guilty of something, it means that proof has yet to be produced or they have yet to be found formally guilty by law. Allegedly is used almost entirely in a legal sense, referring to a potentially criminal action that is being or will shortly be decided in court. (It's from the medieval English word allege, meaning "quoted" or "brought forth in court.") For less serious matters, such as whether or not your boyfriend called you a liar, the word supposedly is generally used. Though watch out, because if you take him to court, you will become "allegedly a liar."
Vocabulary lists containing allegedly
Speak
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Joshua Cammidge, from Swindon, allegedly received instructions from an individual believed to be linked to the GRU Volunteer Corps, a group controlled by Russia's military intelligence agency, the Crown Prosecution service said.
From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2026
Gwyneth Paltrow is allegedly opening a Goop store, too.
From Slate ● Sep. 6, 2026
“I’m going to tell Amy and you’re going to look very bad, and you don’t want that,” Steven allegedly said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 2026
He decried “the experts and politicians who have prescribed, encouraged, and applauded the disintegration of such farming communities all over this country into our allegedly miraculous modern American agriculture.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2026
William Burns had once investigated Comstock for allegedly assisting an oil company in a scheme to bribe the Osage Tribal Council for a favorable lease, but the charge was never proven.
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
