as in gossip
information or opinion that is widely disseminated without any authority or confirmation of accuracy
rumor has it that she's planning to shut down the company
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to whisper
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
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of rumor
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
The couple has not addressed any wedding rumors, and Druski is staying tight-lipped too.
—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
28 June 2026
However, Talbot is probably the least favorable for the Panthers of the four players mentioned due to a mix of similar age restrictions (turns 39 in beginning of July) that have been rumored to keep them from bringing back Bobrovsky and a lack of significant postseason experience.
—
Ava Dicecca,
Sun Sentinel,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rumor
Noun
The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets, a move aimed at securing a co-star for Anthony Edwards amid rumors of his potential trade.
—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
The couple has not addressed any wedding rumors, and Druski is staying tight-lipped too.
—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
Verb
Fro-yo heads will tell you, conspiratorially, that Butterfield Market is rumored to have the same supplier as Forty Carrots, the café tucked away on the seventh floor of Bloomingdale’s which claims to have introduced frozen yogurt to New York City some fifty years ago.
—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
28 June 2026
However, Talbot is probably the least favorable for the Panthers of the four players mentioned due to a mix of similar age restrictions (turns 39 in beginning of July) that have been rumored to keep them from bringing back Bobrovsky and a lack of significant postseason experience.
—
Ava Dicecca,
Sun Sentinel,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rumor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rumor
Noun
-
Celebrity gossip Instagram account Deuxmoi was among the first to report on Alwyn and Pidgeon’s budding romance, receiving several anonymous tips about the pair.
-
Despite hosting all kinds of wagers, including celebrity gossip like Taylor Swift’s possible bridesmaids, the user base has skewed mostly male.
Verb
-
This week's quiz highlights cruise controversies, wedding whispers — and much more.
-
Recalling a former boss who whispered intimate good-byes to his appliances when his restaurant closed, Luca says that the head chef didn’t receive similar farewells from his employees.
Noun
-
The Alameda County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy report is awaiting test results after extra testing was requested by Martin’s family.
-
The trail that led to the record haul began in the state of Queensland, when local police officers responding to reports of a truck fire found 40 kilograms of cocaine floating in the sea near a boat ramp.
Verb
-
Studies reveal a growing 'proximity bias,' where in-office employees are more likely to receive promotions and recognition, with career prospects for remote workers declining.
-
The alleged rape was reported by The Athletic in May, though the identity of the player was not revealed at the time.
Noun
-
The talks come after the Qatari prime minister met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Tuesday to discuss ongoing US-Iran talks and regional developments.
-
Peace talks between the two countries are still inching along, with one of the key points up for discussion being how to regulate the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Verb
-
Stickler may or may not have hinted about the end of the relationship in April, joking about an ex-boyfriend.
-
Parker also hinted that her girls have inherited her (and her character Carrie Bradshaw’s) love of shoes in a throwback photo of her posing in between her daughters.
Noun
-
Graf also denied Robinson’s motion seeking to prevent the state from relying on hearsay to establish probable cause at the preliminary hearing.
-
District Attorney James Stainton objected that the answer would call for hearsay.
Verb
-
The relaxed fit keeps air circulating while the long skirt design creates an effortless silhouette.
-
The day after the ceremony, photos circulated online of an ivory handkerchief embroidered with lace that was handed out to the wedding guests.
Cite this Entry
“Rumor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rumor. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
