▶ USAGE In recent years it has become common for speakers to include allegedly in statements that are controversial or possibly even defamatory. The implicationis that, by saying allegedly, the speaker is distancing himself or herself from the controversy and even protectinghimself or herself from possible prosecution. However, the effect created may be deliberate.The use of allegedly can be a signal that, although the statement may seem outrageous, it is in fact true:He was drunk at work. Allegedly. Conversely, it is also possible to use allegedly as an expression of ironic scepticism: He's a hard worker. Allegedly.
Examples of 'allegedly' in a sentence
allegedly
Argentina players had allegedly refused to use his planes.
The Sun (2016)
The attack allegedly took place in the Jungle camp eight months ago.
The Sun (2016)
They centre on alleged wrongdoing over how they built cases, including allegedly paying a tout in Iraq to drum up business.
The Sun (2016)
He claims one colleague allegedly mimicked his accent and pretended to have a beard similar to his.
The Sun (2009)
She allegedly used a voice changer when ringing her.
The Sun (2011)
The context in which these crimes were allegedly committed most certainly is one.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The enforcers were allegedly taken on by a building firm to speed up a demolition project.
The Sun (2014)
He was serving a life sentence for crimes allegedly committed in her name.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Furious parents spat and hurled abuse as they heard details of the crimes she allegedly committed.
The Sun (2009)
The 16-year-old was allegedly attacked by another pupil when the pair got into a row at midday.
The Sun (2014)
(adverb)
The gang was allegedly involved in smuggling.
Synonyms
supposedly
The regiment's role was supposedly to guard the frontier.
apparently
Apparently the girls are not amused by the situation.
reportedly
They have reportedly agreed.
by all accounts
reputedly
He reputedly earns two millions pounds a year.
purportedly
Additional synonyms
in the sense of apparently
Apparently the girls are not amused by the situation.