hearsay
4 synonyms for hearsay, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Information passed along secondhand that hasn't been confirmed or verified.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use hearsay
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
mere hearsay
hearsay evidence
based on hearsay
Etymology
From the old phrase "to hear [people] say," compressed over time into the single word hearsay.
Full origin of hearsay →Frequently asked questions
What does “hearsay” mean?
The word “hearsay” means information passed along secondhand that hasn't been confirmed or verified. In plain terms, unverified information passed on by word of mouth, or (legally) secondhand testimony usually barred as evidence.
How do you pronounce “hearsay”?
“Hearsay” is pronounced HEER-say (/ˈhɪɹˌseɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hearsay” in a sentence?
Here is “hearsay” used in a sentence: “The rumor was just hearsay — nobody had actually seen it happen.”
What is another word for “hearsay”?
Words with a similar meaning to “hearsay” include gossip, report and rumor.
What part of speech is “hearsay”?
“Hearsay” is a noun.
How many meanings does “hearsay” have?
“Hearsay” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: information passed along secondhand that hasn't been confirmed or verified.
