English · Word Candidate

supposedly

/səˈpəʊ̯.zɪd.li/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

As a matter of supposition; in the beliefs or according to the claims of some people.

Adverb

Near-synonyms: supposably, reportedly, reputedly, purportedly, putatively, rumoredly, allegedly, ostensibly, possibly, probably, likely, plausibly

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Used in place of "supposed to be," often in informal or colloquial speech, as a mispronunciation.

AdverbRegister: informal

My parents told me I am supposedly in bed by 10 P.M.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “supposedly” mean?

As a matter of supposition; in the beliefs or according to the claims of some people.

Is “supposedly” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.