so-called

Dubiously labeled as

So-called signals that a name or description is questionable, often implying skepticism or irony: my so-called friends, the so-called experts.

It can also neutrally indicate that something goes by a particular name without endorsing it: the so-called gig economy.

Context determines whether the speaker is being dismissive or merely citing a term others use.

skeptical

alleged

Claimed but unproven

supposedAssumed to be true
purportedClaimed without proof
claimedStated as fact

ostensible · questionable · dubious · suspect · doubtful · disputed · contested · challenged · unverified · unproven

nominal

named

Given an identifying label

titledHaving a formal designation
dubbedNamed or revoiced
labeledMarked for identification

termed · styled · designated · christened · nicknamed · tagged · branded · identified · classified · categorized

ironic

sarcastic

Mockingly insincere in tone

mockingScornfully imitating or ridiculing
sardonicGrimly mocking
tongue-in-cheekHumorously not meant literally

wry · satirical · sneering · derisive · scornful · contemptuous · dismissive · eye-roll · snide · caustic

Categories

nominalnominal, titular, figurehead, in name only, token
smallnesssmall, little, tiny, mini, miniature
attributionattributed to, cited, according to, per, via
skepticismdoubt, skeptic, doubts, debunker, doubtful

Opposites

genuineness of designation

so-calledactual

Existing in fact

genuine · real · true · authentic · bona fide

epistemic certainty

so-calledunquestionable

Cannot be challenged

undeniable · indisputable · demonstrable · confirmed · established

Family

call, recall, calling, called, caller, uncalled, call-in, miscall, callable

Familiarity: Top 20,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G