So-called — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈsō-ˈkȯld/

Meaning & Definition of So-called

So-called (adjective)

  1. commonly named
  2. falsely or improperly so named

So-called (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in alleged, supposed

    similar: alleged, supposed, debatable, disputable, dodgy (chiefly British), doubtable, doubtful, dubious, dubitable, equivocal, fishy, problematic, queer, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, suspicious, moot, ambiguous, open, unclear, uncertain, undecided, undetermined, far-fetched, flimsy, improbable, unlikely, weak
    opposite: certain, hands-down, incontestable, indisputable, indubitable, questionless, sure, undeniable, undoubted, unproblematic, unquestionable, decisive, definitive, clear, obvious, open-and-shut, positive

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for So-called

The most common words with a similar meaning to So-called:

Chiefly British: dodgy
alleged, supposed, debatable, disputable, doubtable, doubtful, dubious, dubitable, equivocal, fishy, problematic, queer, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, suspicious, moot, ambiguous, open, unclear, uncertain, undecided, undetermined, far-fetched, flimsy, improbable, unlikely, weak

Antonyms & Opposite Words for So-called

Words with the opposite meaning of So-called:

certain, hands-down, incontestable, indisputable, indubitable, questionless, sure, undeniable, undoubted, unproblematic, unquestionable, decisive, definitive, clear, obvious, open-and-shut, positive

Origin & Etymology of So-called

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for So-called

Frequently Asked Questions about So-called

What does "So-called" mean?

"So-called" means commonly named. As an adjective, it is defined as: commonly named.

What is another word for "So-called"?

Other words for "So-called" include alleged, supposed, debatable, disputable, dodgy, doubtable, doubtful and dubious. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "So-called" you intend.

What are different ways to say "So-called"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "So-called". Common alternatives include alleged, supposed, debatable, disputable, dodgy, doubtable, doubtful, dubious, dubitable and equivocal.

What is the opposite of "So-called"?

Antonyms of "So-called" include certain, hands-down, incontestable, indisputable, indubitable, questionless, sure and undeniable.

Is "So-called" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"So-called" is an adjective.

Is "So-called" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "So-called" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "So-called"?

"So-called" is pronounced /ˈsō-ˈkȯld/.

What is the origin of the word "So-called"?

First known use: 15th century.