Allegation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌa-li-ˈgā-shən/ al·le·ga·tion

Meaning & Definition of Allegation

Allegation (noun)

  1. the act of alleging something
  2. a positive assertion especially of misconduct; specifically, a statement by a party to a legal action of what the party undertakes to prove
  3. an assertion unsupported and by implication regarded as unsupportable

Allegation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a statement saying that someone has done something wrong or illegal

    "The police are investigating allegations that the mayor has accepted bribes."

    "The mayor denies the allegations against him."

    similar: accusation, plea, charge, complaint, count, indictment, rap, crimination, counteraccusation, countercharge, arraignment, impeachment, implication, imputation, innuendo, insinuation, suggestion, affirmation, assertion, asseveration, avouchment, avowal, claim, declaration, insistence, profession, protestation, censure, condemnation, denunciation, incrimination, recrimination

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Allegation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Allegation:

accusation, plea, charge, complaint, count, indictment, rap, crimination, counteraccusation, countercharge, arraignment, impeachment, implication, imputation, innuendo, insinuation, suggestion, affirmation, assertion, asseveration, avouchment, avowal, claim, declaration, insistence, profession, protestation, censure, condemnation, denunciation, incrimination, recrimination

Origin & Etymology of Allegation

Middle English allegacion "formal declaration in court, argument offered as proof," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin allēgātiōn-, allēgātiō "representation on behalf of another, charge," from allēgāre "to adduce in support of a plea" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action allege

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Allegation

Frequently Asked Questions about Allegation

What does "Allegation" mean?

"Allegation" means the act of alleging something. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of alleging something.

What is another word for "Allegation"?

Other words for "Allegation" include accusation, plea, charge, complaint, count, indictment, rap and crimination. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Allegation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Allegation"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Allegation". Common alternatives include accusation, plea, charge, complaint, count, indictment, rap, crimination, counteraccusation and countercharge.

How do you use "Allegation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Allegation" in a sentence: "The police are investigating allegations that the mayor has accepted bribes."; "The mayor denies the allegations against him.".

Is "Allegation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Allegation" is a noun.

Is "Allegation" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Allegation" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Allegation"?

"Allegation" is pronounced /ˌa-li-ˈgā-shən/ and divided into syllables as al·le·ga·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Allegation"?

"Allegation" comes from Middle English allegacion "formal declaration in court, argument offered as proof," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin allēgātiōn-, allēgātiō "representation on behalf of another, charge," from allēgāre "to adduce in support of a plea" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action allege. First known use: 15th century.