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Definition of alleged

alleged

/əˈlɛdʒd/
al · leged
Adverb:allegedly
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alleged Lexical Profile

alleged Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Said,without proof, to have taken place or to have a specified illegal or undesirable quality.

Example

"The committee launched a formal investigation into the alleged financial misconduct."

2

Doubtful, questionable, or suspect in authenticity, quality, or validity.

Example

"Skeptics quickly pointed out several flaws in the researcher's alleged breakthrough."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for alleged
Antonyms
View all antonyms for alleged

Word Nuance & Usage

In journalism and legal writing, 'alleged' is placed before a noun to indicate that an accusation has not been legally proven in court. However, applying it to an undisputed event rather than the accused person or unproven act (e.g., writing 'the alleged bank robbery' when a bank was definitely robbed) is a common logical error.

• Rhymes for alleged

• Nearby Words

allcomers
allegation
allege
alleged
allegedly
allegiance
allegiant

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as the past participle of 'allege', borrowed from Anglo-French 'aleger' and Latin 'exlitigare' (to clear at law), which later merged in meaning with Latin 'allegare' (to bring forward as evidence or assert).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Alleged. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/alleged
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