rumor

A story people tell about someone or something without knowing whether it is true.

• I heard a strange rumor.
• She denied the rumors about her marriage.
• Is the rumor that you are leaving true?

How to use it: a rumor that… (I heard a rumor that the shop was closing.); a rumor about someone/something (There is a rumor about a new school.)

Similar words: unconfirmed story

Common phrases: spread a rumor, rumor about someone, rumor has it, hear a rumor

Information passed between people that has not been shown to be true.

• That is just rumor.
• The report mixes fact with rumor.
• Their decision was based on rumor rather than evidence.

Similar words: hearsay, gossip

Common phrases: just rumor, mere rumor, based on rumor

To say or spread something about someone without knowing whether it is true.

• He is rumored to be rich.
• It was rumored that the hotel would close.
• They are rumored to have bought a house together.

How to use it: be rumored to do something (The company is rumored to be planning a sale.); it is rumored that… (It is rumored that she will return next year.)

Similar words: gossip

Common phrases: rumor about someone, rumor that something