rumors

whisper

Speech without full voice

• grapevineInformal gossip network
• scuttlebuttInformal rumor or speculation
• tittle-tattleTrivial, idle chatter

buzz · chatter · innuendo · hearsay · talk · tales · word-of-mouth · murmur · blab · prattle

conjecture

Guess from limited facts

• theoriesExplanations based on evidence
• suppositionsUnverified beliefs or guesses
• guessworkConclusions drawn without proof

assumptions · surmises · unconfirmed · unverified · alleged · purported · postulation · inference · hypothetical · rumblings

false

Not matching reality

• fabricationDeliberately untrue statement
• hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
• canardUnfounded malicious rumor

disinformation · falsehood · misleading · distortion · fake news · lie · tall tale · urban legend · myth · smear

unconfirmed

Not officially validated

• questionableOf uncertain validity
• dubiousOf uncertain reliability
• skepticismDisposition toward doubt

uncertainty · suspicion · mistrust · credibility · veracity · reliability · second-hand · unreliable · disputed · contested

tabloid

Sensationalist newspaper format

• exposéInvestigative journalism piece
• leakEscape through a breach
• cover-upHiding wrongdoing from public

whistleblower · controversy · impropriety · indiscretion · affair · corruption · disgrace · sensational · headline · bombshell

confidential

Meant to stay secret

• hush-hushHighly confidential matter
• behind closed doorsIn private, unobserved
• off the recordNot meant for reporting

insider · anonymous source · tip-off · undisclosed · under wraps · classified · leaked · covert · clandestine · discreet

• conversationlistening, talk, talking, chat, speaking
• social interactiongreeting, hello, goodbye, hi, bye
• gossipgossip, hearsay, whisper, scuttlebutt, tittle-tattle
• informal knowledgefolk wisdom, old wives tales, hearsay, gossip, tips
• social behaviorcourtesy, etiquette, friendship, greeting, cooperation
• social judgmentapproval, disapproval, criticism, reputation, shaming