adj
Very common
supposed
suh-POH-zihd
Supposed (adj) means Assumed or claimed to be true, though not confirmed. Example: “The supposed expert could not answer even the simplest question about the subject.”
adj
1
Assumed or claimed to be true, though not confirmed.
"The supposed expert could not answer even the simplest question about the subject."
"The supposed cure turned out to be useless."
"His supposed alibi didn't hold up."
2
Used in "supposed to," meaning expected or required.
"Children are supposed to be in bed by nine o'clock on school nights."
"The train was supposed to leave at noon, but it is still here."
"You're supposed to knock before entering."
How to use supposed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAssumed to be true, or (in "supposed to") expected/required by rule or custom.
Common mistake
Remember the "d" — "suppose to" is a common misspelling of "supposed to."
Common pairings
supposed to
supposed cure
supposed benefits
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The _____ expert could not answer even the simplest question about the subject.
Synonyms
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assumed
presumed
alleged
reputed
so-called
purported
claimed
believed
divinatory
hypothetic
conjectural
hypothetical
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for supposed
posed
hosed
closed
exposed
opposed
disposed
enclosed
proposed
composed
disclosed
unopposed
indisposed
See all rhymes for supposed →
Frequently asked questions
What does “supposed” mean?
The word “supposed” means assumed or claimed to be true, though not confirmed. In plain terms, assumed to be true, or (in "supposed to") expected/required by rule or custom.
How do you pronounce “supposed”?
“Supposed” is pronounced suh-POH-zihd (/səˈpoʊ.zɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “supposed” in a sentence?
Here is “supposed” used in a sentence: “The supposed cure turned out to be useless.”
What part of speech is “supposed”?
“Supposed” is an adjective.
Is “supposed” a common word?
“Supposed” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “supposed” have?
“Supposed” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: assumed or claimed to be true, though not confirmed.
What does "supposed to" mean?
When something is "supposed to" happen, it is expected, required, or intended to — often by rule, plan, or custom. "You're supposed to knock first" states an expectation or obligation. It can also flag a gap between expectation and reality: "It was supposed to rain" implies that it may not have.
What is the difference between supposed and supposedly?
Supposed is an adjective meaning assumed or claimed but not confirmed, as in "the supposed cause." Supposedly is the adverb form, meaning "according to what is claimed," as in "he supposedly left early." Use supposed before a noun; use supposedly to qualify a whole statement or verb.
Is supposed a positive or negative word?
Supposed is neutral but often carries mild doubt. Describing something as the "supposed" expert or "supposed" benefit quietly signals that the claim is unproven and possibly false. Tone and context decide: it can simply mean "assumed," or it can politely hint that the speaker is skeptical of the claim.
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