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There's no need to make assumptions about the root behind putative—we know it comes from a form of the Latin verb putare, which means "to consider" or "to think." Putative is a rather formal word that has been part of English since the 15th century. Like apparent, presumed, and ostensible, it leaves room for a smidgen of doubt: a putative ally will very probably be there for you, and a putative successor is very likely to be the next one in charge, but life offers no guarantees in either case.
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Putative: Always Before a Noun
Putative is almost always used in front of a noun, the modified noun being that which is assumed or supposed to be. The putative cause of a death, for example, is the one widely believed to have caused it, even when it hasn't been proven or made certain. However, one does not say "the cause was putative."
Examples of putative in a Sentence
Anna Quindlen, Newsweek, 3 June 2002
The putative champions of liberty took up the cry of dissent only after it had become profitable and safe …
—Lewis H. Lapham, Harper's, June 2000
Back in Hollywood in a few weeks, I was discouraged to find yet another putative director wandering about in the Cowan offices, also unpaid.
—Arthur Miller, Timebends, 1987
the putative reason for her dismissal was poor job performance
Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 May 2026
In the absence of a putative A-list candidate, the crowded field has yielded good, healthy competition.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
Johnny is the putative protagonist of Mortal Kombat II, a follow-up to 2021’s Mortal Kombat, which was centered on MMA fighter Cole Young (Lewis Tan).
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 6 May 2026
But she’s taken some putative first steps towards a campaign, like a tour to support her recent memoir of the 2024 campaign.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for putative
Cite this Entry
“Putative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/putative. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
putative
adjective
