as in whispers
to make (as a piece of information) the subject of common talk without any authority or confirmation of accuracy
for years people have been rumoring the CEO's imminent retirement
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of rumors
Throughout March, rumors that West had begun dating his co-star Amanda Batula flooded gossip sites, though the two continuously denied said claims.
—
Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 29 Apr. 2026
In the days leading into the draft, rumors that the Chiefs were eyeing a trade up in the order were bubbling.
—Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026
The Chicago rumors A few weeks ago, multiple reports started to spread on social media that the PWHL would land in Chicago, and play at the new Blackhawks Ice Center in the same 2,0000-seat rink as the USHL’s Chicago Steel.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
In early 2024, rumors that the series was kaput swirled online, prompting HBO to release a statement that season 3 was still on the way.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Mar. 2026
Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 29 Apr. 2026
In the days leading into the draft, rumors that the Chiefs were eyeing a trade up in the order were bubbling.
—Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026
The Chicago rumors A few weeks ago, multiple reports started to spread on social media that the PWHL would land in Chicago, and play at the new Blackhawks Ice Center in the same 2,0000-seat rink as the USHL’s Chicago Steel.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
In early 2024, rumors that the series was kaput swirled online, prompting HBO to release a statement that season 3 was still on the way.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rumors
Verb
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Oryn, the high-octane Chinese speciality restaurant blends Cantonese and Sichuan flavors with nightclub energy—moody lighting, a DJ booth, and a bar that whispers promises of an after-hours mischief.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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Michael, who has been staring at the door, looks up and whispers in Lumet’s ear.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The asymmetry of the wear on the krakens’ jaws, meanwhile, hints that different parts of the animals’ brain were specialized for different tasks—a sign of advanced cognition in these invertebrates.—
Kate Wong,
Scientific American,
23 Apr. 2026
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And Pearlman hints that Trump won't just be watching, but participating, in his act.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly last fall, the two men are seeking $400 million in damages, and The Hollywood Reporter reports that they are expected to go up in front of a jury in a lower court next year.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
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Reports include tornado, wind storm and hail storm reports.—
Amy McDaniel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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New research reveals a potential link between GLP-1 drugs and improvements in myriad health conditions, including sleep apnea, joint pain, liver disease, heart disease, asthma, and even addiction.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
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The report also reveals that interest on Blogoslawski’s own late tax payments was eliminated.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rumors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rumors. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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