as in apparent
appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed
the putative reason for her dismissal was poor job performance
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of putative
In Southeast Asia, researchers have suggested some dental remains and putative tools associated with H. erectus, but there’s limited physical evidence documenting their presence.
—
Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
Then the exhibit barrels forward into our putative downfall, as machine learning starts to replace acting and writing (seen in an unnerving Hollywood conversation in 2031), and then sets its sights on eradicating us messy flesh beings altogether.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025
Now, the putative deep state will be expunged, along with the expertise and procedures that make effective administration possible.
—Russell Muirhead, Foreign Affairs, 23 Jan. 2025
Rather, Palestinians need to establish their new institutions within the framework of the putative state of Palestine, as the unified address for their nationhood and agency, while relieving the misery in Gaza.
—Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for putative
Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
Then the exhibit barrels forward into our putative downfall, as machine learning starts to replace acting and writing (seen in an unnerving Hollywood conversation in 2031), and then sets its sights on eradicating us messy flesh beings altogether.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025
Now, the putative deep state will be expunged, along with the expertise and procedures that make effective administration possible.
—Russell Muirhead, Foreign Affairs, 23 Jan. 2025
Rather, Palestinians need to establish their new institutions within the framework of the putative state of Palestine, as the unified address for their nationhood and agency, while relieving the misery in Gaza.
—Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for putative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for putative
Adjective
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The advanced lifting technique — which has become a favorite of specialist surgeons for its apparent longer lasting results — not only repositions the top layer of skin (known as an endoscopic facelift) but also the complex network of tissue and fibrous muscles below.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN,
22 Mar. 2025
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Fears of a possible constitutional crisis are on the rise following an apparent standoff between Donald Trump and a federal judge after the president was ordered to stop deportation flights traveling to El Salvador.—
The Editors,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Next week, the Mavericks will strive to fend off a pair of sub-.500 clubs, the 23-51 Brooklyn Nets and the 35-38 Atlanta Hawks, at home in American Airlines Arena before heading to Tinseltown to suit up against another probable lower playoff seed in the West, the 42-31 L.A. Clippers.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2025
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Hawks star guard Trae Young (right Achilles tendinitis) is probable to play against the Heat.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Russian troops often carve that backs off their assault cars’ cabs in order to facilitate a quick exit, so there was nothing but a possible thin screen to stop an FPV that barreled toward the anti-tank mine resting in the back of one idling Lada.—
David Axe,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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Citing the sheriff's office, WESH reported that deputies initially responded to a report of a possible shooting at the couple's home in Orlo Vista, just west of Orlando, at around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The ostensible reason for shuttering VOA, according to last Friday’s executive order, is to reduce bureaucracy, as if all government workers are pushing papers back and forth without purpose.—
Al Pessin,
Orlando Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2025
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Surely there’s a tube of glue somewhere in this massive house, but this is about the outing, not its ostensible purpose.—
Chris Klimek,
Vulture,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Emilia Pérez’s turnout in particular was a fall from seeming dominance, perhaps precipitated by Gascón’s controversy.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
3 Mar. 2025
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That night of violence — with its brutality and seeming lack of a motive — has shaken the community.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Sep. 2024
Adjective
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Find the right dog kennel site This may seem obvious, but good site selection can mean the difference between a single workday and an entire holiday weekend.—
Patrick Brady,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2025
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The crony character of protectionism becomes obvious when examining the labyrinthine incoherence of U.S. trade policy.—
David B. McGarry,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Putative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/putative. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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