alleged

adjective

al·​leged ə-ˈlejd How to pronounce alleged (audio) -ˈle-jəd How to pronounce alleged (audio)
Synonyms of alleged
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
ə-ˈle-jəd-lē How to pronounce alleged (audio)
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.
The Chesterfield County Police Department said in a statement Saturday night that an alleged shooter, identified as Camron Harris, 19, of Henrico County, was arrested in connection with the violence. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026 One student told investigators the alleged touching happened more than once. — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 The alleged miners were seen fleeing the scene as the military arrived, sprinting deeper into the Amazon and leaving behind women and a child. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 Henderson, 46, had evaded arrest since a sweeping federal takedown of his alleged organization in August 2023. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for alleged

See All Rhymes for alleged

Browse Nearby Words

allegeable
alleged
allegement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alleged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alleged. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

alleged

adjective
al·​leged ə-ˈlejd, -ˈle-jəd How to pronounce alleged (audio)
1
: asserted to be true
especially : stated in an allegation
alleged crimes
2
: accused but not yet proven or convicted
trial of alleged war criminals—R. G. Neumann

More from Merriam-Webster on alleged

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for alleged

Nglish: Translation of alleged for Spanish Speakers

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