Synonyms for

Rumor

Verb / ˈru:mɜ: / Another word for rumor — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Rumor means a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts.

Synonyms & similar words

bruit rumour hearsay gossip hearsay talk whisper buzz speculation tattle chatter word-of-mouth news story rumbling fable myth legend folklore tales anecdote narrative yarn

Synonyms by register

Formal

report account information dispatch

Informal

grapevine scuttlebutt gossip buzz

Literary

whisper tale tidings

Antonyms

fact truth certainty verity reality evidence

Common collocations

  • spread a rumor
  • hear a rumor
  • rumor has it
  • dismiss a rumor
  • confirm a rumor
  • rumor mill
  • persistent rumor

Word family

noun rumor
verb rumor

Usage note

A rumor is unverified information. It is often used informally, but can also appear in formal contexts. Be careful not to confuse 'rumor' with 'rumour', which is the British spelling.

Example sentences

  1. The rumor about the new restaurant was that the food was terrible.
  2. I heard a rumor that we're getting a snow day tomorrow!
  3. Don't believe everything you hear, especially rumors.
  4. The rumor mill in the office can be very distracting.
  5. The rumor about the celebrity's engagement turned out to be false.

Quotes

  • A rumor without a leg to stand on will get around some other way.
  • Rumors are carried by haters, spread by fools, and accepted by idiots.
  • A rumor goes in one ear and out many mouths.

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