alleged

adjective

al·​leged ə-ˈlejd How to pronounce alleged (audio) -ˈle-jəd How to pronounce alleged (audio)
1
: accused but not proven or convicted
an alleged burglar
2
: asserted to be true or to exist
an alleged miracle
an alleged conspiracy
3
: questionably true or of a specified kind : supposed, so-called
bought an alleged antique vase
allegedly adverb
She allegedly stole the money. [=she is alleged to have stolen the money]

Examples of alleged 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.
Zelensky wrote about Russian efforts to conceal the presence of soldiers from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Russia, including a video highlighting the alleged practice of burning slain soldiers' faces. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 According to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, the alleged shooter Natalie Rupnow, who went by the name Samantha, was a student at Abundant Life Christian School—where the incident took place. Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 In an interview with the New York Times, Peak Design CEO Peter Dering said multiple people alerted him via text that the alleged shooter depicted in surveillance images released by police appeared to be wearing one of his company's backpacks. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024 In 2021, the artist, whose real name is Ramón Jiménez Salazar, was already under investigation for alleged gender violence following accusations made by Méndez, who, according to El País, had been in a relationship with El Cigala since 2014. Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alleged 

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of allege

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of alleged was in 1509

Dictionary Entries Near alleged

Cite this Entry

“Alleged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alleged. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

Legal Definition

alleged

adjective
1
: asserted to be true
especially : stated in an allegation
alleged crimes
2
: accused but not yet proven or convicted
trial of alleged war criminalsR. G. Neumann
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