purportedly

adverb

pur·​port·​ed·​ly (ˌ)pər-ˈpȯr-təd-lē How to pronounce purportedly (audio)
Synonyms of purportedlynext
: it is purported : ostensibly, allegedly

Examples of purportedly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Communications from Maria then stopped before messages purportedly from her began coming from overseas. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 The dagger was purportedly found by a past owner during renovations in the basement, either in the floor or the wall. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 The conversation is purportedly around Gizelle’s ethics, but what Robyn is really confronting is the shifting ways that Housewives have to circulate information in the Bravosphere. — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026 But when the client, Xiuying Zhu, complained about the services, Dong sent her another bill for $1,500, along with a letter purportedly signed by an attorney. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purportedly

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of purportedly was in 1942

Rhymes for purportedly

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Browse Nearby Words

purported
purportedly
purportless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purportedly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purportedly. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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