reportedly
Americanadverb
adverb
Etymology
Origin of reportedly
Explanation
When something is reportedly true, it means people say it's true, but it hasn't necessarily been confirmed. If your favorite band is reportedly coming to town, it may just be an unfounded rumor. The word reportedly implies that information has been shared by others, but it hasn't been officially verified. For example, if someone says they've heard that a new movie is in the works, but there's no official announcement yet, then it is reportedly happening. Using the word reportedly helps indicate that the details are not certain, reminding us to take such news with a grain of caution until all the facts are in.
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.
He reportedly wants to run ads touting his record, never mind his unpopularity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
A third drone was reportedly found 10 days later at the airport, which is an important Nato hub and is regularly used by Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft.
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
Since the crash Woods has travelled outside the United States to seek treatment at an inpatient facility, reportedly in Switzerland.
From Barron's ● Sep. 2, 2026
Hayek, who all reportedly approved of his Atlas Network project.
From Salon ● Sep. 1, 2026
He was with a Pawnee woman whom he’d reportedly married after Anna’s death.
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.
