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Synonyms

purportedly

American  
[per-pawr-tid-lee] / pərˈpɔr tɪd li /

adverb

  1. according to what is or has been claimed, reputed, or asserted; allegedly.

    The upcoming version of the tablet will purportedly feature a brand new processor, but no other details are yet known.

    The defendant has not listed the brokers and valuation professionals with whom he purportedly consulted, nor has he told us the questions that he purportedly asked them.

Etymology

Origin of purportedly

purported ( def. ) + -ly

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.

That suggests Iran might instead have adapted one of its purportedly civilian space launchers for military purposes, said Fabian Hinz, an independent missile analyst.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Unverified night-time footage has emerged purportedly showing the ship ablaze after the attack on Tuesday.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

In the video, purportedly made with AI, the "minister" appeared as a woman dressed in a traditional Albanian outfit and said it was "not here to replace people".

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

The intent is purportedly “to strengthen our footing and sharpen our focus on delivering the distinctive journalism that sets The Post apart and, most importantly, engages our customers.”

From Salon • Feb. 6, 2026

The most speculative option involved element 94, that purportedly hyperfissionable substance discovered in Lawrence’s laboratory.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

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.