supposedly

adverb

sup·​pos·​ed·​ly sə-ˈpō-zəd-lē How to pronounce supposedly (audio)
also -ˈpōzd-lē
Synonyms of supposedlynext
: as is supposed : according to what is or was said, claimed, or believed by some
a supposedly true story
a supposedly good restaurant
He had dozens of people around him, supposedly looking after him …—Philip Norman
Daddy took me to the Legion, to shoot pool supposedly.—Mary Karr

Synonyms of supposedly

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Examples of supposedly in a Sentence

she's supposedly too sick to come—or so she says
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.
Yet behind the spectacle, the biggest symbols of their supposedly limitless riches were a facade to make their lives appear better than reality, according to the brothers’ own lawyers. — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 The company’s Archewell production also maintains offices in Los Angeles, and staff are supposedly still there, trying to develop film and TV shows that Meghan and Harry could attach themselves to as producers. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 According to prosecutors, the male in the case has supposedly been involved with illegally trading the relevant objects since 2013; it was ordered that a little over $30 million be confiscated from him. — News Desk, Artforum, 26 Aug. 2026 Hundreds of those players saw their fourth — and supposedly final — year of eligibility run out last spring. — Eric Olson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for supposedly

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of supposedly was in 1597

Rhymes for supposedly

See All Rhymes for supposedly

Browse Nearby Words

supposed
supposedly
supposer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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