unsubstantiated

adjective

un·​sub·​stan·​ti·​at·​ed ˌən-səb-ˈstan(t)-shē-ˌā-təd How to pronounce unsubstantiated (audio)
Synonyms of unsubstantiatednext
: not proven to be true : not substantiated
an unsubstantiated rumor/report
a plausible but unsubstantiated theory

Examples of unsubstantiated in a Sentence

an unsubstantiated claim that was thrown out of court
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The $250 million lawsuit alleged that the newspaper irresponsibly reported on Lively’s unsubstantiated allegations. Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 4 May 2026 The sites mix factual assertions about their targets with unsubstantiated conspiracies and defamatory claims of misconduct ranging from extortion and embezzlement to drug dealing and prostitution. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026 Two weeks later, a Telegram channel claiming to represent the group made an unsubstantiated claim of responsibility for an arson attack on four Jewish ambulances in Golders Green, north London. The Week Uk, TheWeek, 29 Apr. 2026 Multiple women came forward with detailed and serious allegations—including specific claims of drugging, rape, and assault—relatively quickly after initial reports, suggesting a verifiable pattern rather than mere unsubstantiated rumor. Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsubstantiated

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1775, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsubstantiated was circa 1775

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Cite this Entry

“Unsubstantiated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsubstantiated. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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