unsubstantiated

adjective

un·​sub·​stan·​ti·​at·​ed ˌən-səb-ˈstan(t)-shē-ˌā-təd How to pronounce unsubstantiated (audio)
Synonyms of unsubstantiatednext
: not proven to be true : not substantiated
an unsubstantiated rumor/report
a plausible but unsubstantiated theory

Examples of unsubstantiated in a Sentence

an unsubstantiated claim that was thrown out of court
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 push for peptides (both in injectable and non-injectable forms) has accelerated in recent years as influencers and manufacturers alike tout myriad benefits, many unsubstantiated by research. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026 March 26, 2026 The MyPillow founder and right-wing politico has been sued numerous times for pushing unsubstantiated claims about alleged fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026 Kern recently founded the Hoosier Enquirer, an independent news website that has leveled unsubstantiated allegations of election fraud against Sweeney Bell. Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026 The mall was previously evacuated in years past for a nearby fire and an unsubstantiated threat. Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsubstantiated

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1775, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsubstantiated was circa 1775

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsubstantiated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsubstantiated. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on unsubstantiated

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster