purportedly
Americanadverb
Etymology
Origin of purportedly
Explanation
If something purportedly happened, it may or may not have actually occurred. If your brother purportedly knows nothing about the cookies you left on the kitchen counter, it means he claims to be innocent of cookie theft. Whether or not you believe him, well, that's another story... When you use purportedly it means you only know what you've been told, or what appears to be the case, not necessarily what the entire truth is. A dog that purportedly doesn't bite is still scary when it's barking at you. And although your friend is purportedly only joking when she says she hates your haircut, it may still hurt your feelings. You can also use the synonyms "supposedly" or "allegedly."
Vocabulary lists containing purportedly
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
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Not Here to Be Liked
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The New Jim Crow
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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.
We’re asked to trust the writers but have no means to verify their disclosures, some of these purportedly from the very heart of the presidency.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026
Safety was purportedly the concern with Artan, whose interrogation was conducted by the U.S.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
Benz's story highlights a familiar script: an emotionally charged call purportedly from a loved one in trouble -- arrested, in a car accident or caught up in a crime -- who needs money.
From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026
The DOJ is purportedly seeking to charge the nonprofit with money laundering and obstruction.
From Slate • Jun. 1, 2026
We all went home for Christmas break—even purportedly homeless Alaska.
From "Looking for Alaska" by John Green
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.
