allegation

noun

al·​le·​ga·​tion ˌa-li-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce allegation (audio)
Synonyms of allegation
1
: the act of alleging something
2
: a positive assertion especially of misconduct
Some former colleagues have made serious allegations against him.
specifically : a statement by a party to a legal action of what the party undertakes to prove
3
: an assertion unsupported and by implication regarded as unsupportable

Examples of allegation in a Sentence

The police are investigating allegations that the mayor has accepted bribes. There have been allegations of fraud in the city government. You're making a serious allegation. Do you have any proof?
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.
The federal case was based on allegations the social media giant misrepresented the extent of child mental health harms caused by apps like Facebook and Instagram. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 Internet sleuths accused him of trying to improve his lie in the rough, similar to allegations against Bryson DeChambeau at the British Open last month. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 Although the allegations became a significant controversy surrounding his political career, higher courts later invalidated key evidence in the investigation, and the criminal complaint against him was rejected in 2022. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026 Despite the back and forth, Winker’s allegations left commissioners — and even Fifield’s vice president of development, Sarina Sorrentino — rattled. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for allegation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English allegacion "formal declaration in court, argument offered as proof," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin allēgātiōn-, allēgātiō "representation on behalf of another, charge," from allēgāre "to adduce in support of a plea" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at allege

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of allegation was in the 15th century

Rhymes for allegation

See All Rhymes for allegation

Browse Nearby Words

Allegany
allegation
allegator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Allegation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allegation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

allegation

noun
al·​le·​ga·​tion ˌal-i-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce allegation (audio)
1
: the act of alleging
2
: something alleged
especially : a statement not supported by proof or evidence
allegations of criminal involvement

Legal Definition

allegation

noun
al·​le·​ga·​tion ˌa-lə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce allegation (audio)
1
: the act of alleging
2
a
: a statement not yet proven
allegations in an affidavit
b
: a statement by a party to a lawsuit of what the party will attempt to prove : averment compare accusation, indictment, information, proof

More from Merriam-Webster on allegation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for allegation

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