Crossword Genius

Reportedly predominant state (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

maine

'state' is the definition.
(Maine is an example)

'reportedly predominant' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' shows a homophone (sound like).
'predominant' becomes 'main' (main can mean predominant or principal).
'main' is a homophone of 'MAINE'.

(Other definitions for maine that I've seen before include "New England state" , "N. US Atlantic state" , "US state, capital Augusta (5)" , "NE US state" , "North-east American state" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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