verb

allege

/əˈlɛdʒ/ · say it: uh·LEJ

to claim without proof

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (verb) to claim or state that something is true, without proof

2. (verb) to claim that someone has done something wrong, without having proved it yet

Examples

1. The report alleges that the company violated environmental regulations.
2. She was alleged to have stolen the documents, but the charges were later dropped.

How to use allege

Allege is used when reporting claims or accusations that have not yet been verified or proven, often in legal, journalistic, or formal contexts. It carries the connotation of unconfirmed information and is frequently used in passive constructions ('the alleged perpetrator') or with reported speech ('she alleged that'). Unlike claim, allege more strongly implies doubt or lack of proof.

Common phrases

allegedly say
alleged victim
alleged crime
allege that
allege misconduct

Synonyms

claim · assert · contend · maintain · charge

Opposites

prove · confirm · verify

Word family

allegedly (adverb) · allegation (noun) · alleged (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use allege as if the claim has been proven, but allege specifically indicates unproven assertions; once something is verified, use proved or confirmed instead.

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