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Alleged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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alleged

[əˈlɛdʒd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

crime

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

Synonyms

presumed, purported, supposed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alleged

Used when referring to something that is claimed to be true, but has not been proven. Often used in legal contexts or news reports.

  • The alleged thief was caught on camera.
  • She denied the alleged accusations against her.
supposed

Used when something is believed or intended, often with a hint of doubt, surprise, or irony. Common in casual conversation.

  • He is supposed to be an expert, but he made many mistakes.
  • The supposed solution only made the problem worse.
purported

Used when something is claimed or stated, often with an implication of doubt or disbelief. Typically used in a context where the claim is suspicious or not verified.

  • The purported benefits of the new drug are still under review.
  • The purported author of the document remains unknown.
presumed

Used when something is assumed to be true based on probability or reasonable grounds, often without concrete evidence yet. Common in formal or official statements.

  • The missing hiker is presumed dead after the search was called off.
  • He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Examples of usage

  • The alleged thief was caught red-handed.
  • The alleged corruption scandal has caused a public outcry.
Context #2 | Adjective

accusation

accused but not proven to have committed a crime or done something wrong

Synonyms

accused, charged, suspected.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alleged

Used when someone is said to have done something illegal or wrong without proof yet. Often appears in news and legal discussions.

  • The alleged thief was caught near the scene.
  • He is the alleged mastermind behind the scheme.
accused

Used when someone has been formally charged or accused of a crime, typically in legal contexts. This term is neutral until proven guilty.

  • The accused will appear in court tomorrow.
  • She is accused of embezzling funds from the company.
suspected

Used when someone is believed to have committed a crime or wrongdoing, often without sufficient evidence to make a formal charge.

  • The police are looking for a suspected arsonist.
  • She is suspected of leaking confidential information.
charged

Used when legal action has been formally taken against someone, indicating they will be tried in court for a crime.

  • He has been charged with first-degree murder.
  • The company was charged with violating environmental laws.

Examples of usage

  • The alleged perpetrator is innocent until proven guilty.
  • She is the alleged mastermind behind the scheme.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'alleged'

The word 'alleged' originated from the Middle English term 'allegged', which means 'brought forward as evidence'. It first appeared in the late 15th century. The prefix 'al-' comes from Old English 'on', meaning 'against'. The word gained popularity in legal contexts to indicate unproven accusations or claims.

See also: allegation, allegations, allegedly.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,995, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.