purported

[per-pawr-tid]

adjective

1. reputed or claimed; alleged.

   We saw no evidence of his purported wealth.

purported

/ pɜːˈpɔːtɪd /

adjective

1. alleged; supposed; rumoured

   a purported two million dollar deal

Other Word Forms

• purportedly adverb
• unpurported adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of purported¹

First recorded in 1890–95; purport + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Right now, in this land of purported free speech, those words hit close to home.

From Salon

But when Ortega began describing the purported crime, Piscatella responded by asking her to send a “selfie” and insisting they should go to the gym together.

From Los Angeles Times

Americans with normal levels of basic decency let their consciences prevent them from exploiting the death of a purported friend before he’s even buried.

From Salon

The use of tariff threats as a cudgel to try to save an ally from legal peril also gives lie to the purported rationale behind tariffs: protecting U.S. manufacturers or correcting trade imbalances.

From Los Angeles Times

The chain purported to bring a “country hospitality experience to the big city,” complete with “entertainment on the front porch, rocking chairs, classic Cracker Barrel games and crave-worthy food.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• so-called 
• stated 
• supposed