as in apparent
appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed
the putative reason for her dismissal was poor job performance
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of putative
Then the exhibit barrels forward into our putative downfall, as machine learning starts to replace acting and writing (seen in an unnerving Hollywood conversation in 2031), and then sets its sights on eradicating us messy flesh beings altogether.
—
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025
Now, the putative deep state will be expunged, along with the expertise and procedures that make effective administration possible.
—Russell Muirhead, Foreign Affairs, 23 Jan. 2025
Rather, Palestinians need to establish their new institutions within the framework of the putative state of Palestine, as the unified address for their nationhood and agency, while relieving the misery in Gaza.
—Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2025
The jury is additionally set to decide Friday on any putative damages CNN must pay.
—Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for putative 
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025
Now, the putative deep state will be expunged, along with the expertise and procedures that make effective administration possible.
—Russell Muirhead, Foreign Affairs, 23 Jan. 2025
Rather, Palestinians need to establish their new institutions within the framework of the putative state of Palestine, as the unified address for their nationhood and agency, while relieving the misery in Gaza.
—Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2025
The jury is additionally set to decide Friday on any putative damages CNN must pay.
—Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for putative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for putative
Adjective
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The film’s general rigidity and lack of thrills become more apparent when Levi accidentally falls into the gorge.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
13 Feb. 2025
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The Sixers lose to all sorts of teams, with no apparent traits that should target Philadelphia’s weakness.—
Jared Weiss,
The Athletic,
13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But that is the move that appears most probable, according to two people familiar with the tenor of the team’s discussions.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Feb. 2025
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Officials began spraying brush along evacuation routes last year and added probable encampment spots to the list in January, all of which should now be less likely to ignite for the next several months.—
Blake Nelson,
The Mercury News,
3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Costco, Aldi, Walmart and Whole Foods did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment regarding possible egg limits for customers.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
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The unions further contend that the offer fails to consider possible adverse consequences to the government's ability to function; sets an arbitrarily short deadline; and is pretext for removing and replacing workers on an ideological basis, among other things.—
Andrea Hsu,
NPR,
10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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These include subsidies that give homegrown producers an advantage over U.S. exports; ostensible health rules that are used to keep out foreign products; and loose regulations that encourage the theft of trade secrets and other intellectual property.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Feb. 2025
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And even the fiercest critics of the tariffs bent a knee to Trump’s ostensible but exaggerated rationale for the tariffs, the flow of fentanyl and undocumented workers coming into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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That night of violence — with its brutality and seeming lack of a motive — has shaken the community.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Sep. 2024
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Political pressure will come to the Kremlin not just from opponents of the war but also from those dismayed by the military’s startling incompetence and seeming lack of determination.—
Michael Kimmage,
Foreign Affairs,
27 Sep. 2022
Adjective
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If Hollywood waves are the definition of classic hair, then the makeup equivalent is certainly obvious.—
India Espy-Jones,
Essence,
9 Feb. 2025
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That leaves two remedies, the first and most obvious of which is impeachment, which might punish the president but wouldn’t affect the validity of the pardon.—
Robert A. Levy,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near putative
Cite this Entry
“Putative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/putative. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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