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.
In recent weeks, the transit authority, the city and LA28 had publicly pressed for federal funding; LA28 Chief Executive Casey Wasserman reportedly met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill in April.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei reportedly responded that “nothing has been finalized.”
From MarketWatch • Jun. 12, 2026
The dispute has also reportedly affected high-level security talks between the two allies, according to local media.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
The night before a brutal semifinal, Mussolini reportedly dined with the Swedish referee—who went on to officiate the final too.
From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026
Octavian came to see Cleopatra at the palace, reportedly at her request.
From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby
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.
