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.
Allegedly, MediaTek also discreetly warned Realtek’s customers of possible supply disruptions, which the latter firm says cost it business.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025
Allegedly, Mr Combs sent hundreds of text messages using an app called ContactMeASAP, marketed as "an innovative text messaging service for federal inmates to communicate with loved ones via real-time messages".
From BBC • Nov. 27, 2024
Allegedly there were other balance sheets, and Ellison said Bankman-Fried had her develop various fakes that might make the company look better.
From Slate • Oct. 17, 2023
Allegedly, Caldeira and Baraki “told A.G. that she was bisexual,” an idea “that did not originate with A.G.,” according to the lawsuit.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 2, 2023
Allegedly there was a fifth and final book coming, but the author had been publishing other novels for a few years now.
From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows
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.
