presumptive

adjective

pri-ˈzəm(p)-tiv How to pronounce presumptive (audio)
Definition of presumptivenext
as in plausible
worthy of being accepted as true or reasonable in that climate of fear, an accusation alone was presumptive evidence of guilt

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of presumptive With this week’s exit of Paramount+ streaming head Cindy Holland, Casey Bloys is the presumptive ruler of all streaming at Skydance. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026 The 49ers put together a dominant performance on both sides of the ball, playing perhaps one of their most complete games of the last two years against the presumptive Super Bowl favorites. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026 Ahern will now face Republican Alan Gordon in the general election, but is expected to be the presumptive winner. — Katie Mulvaney, The Providence Journal, 10 Sep. 2026 With no Republican challenger, Ryan is set to move onto the November election as the presumptive winner. — Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for presumptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presumptive
  1. plausible
  2. credible
  3. probable
Adjective
  • Yet that experience has helped drive the administration’s current efforts to achieve more plausible and narrowly defined goals.
    — Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Given the sheer size of the federal government, that is more than plausible.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of plausible
Adjective
  • In response, the ambassadors of France and Spain made public statements emphasizing the importance of a credible electoral process and the need for Haiti’s next president to have integrity.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • This narrower range of options could make its nuclear threats less credible in a conflict over an ally’s security.
    — Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of credible
Adjective
  • With their season and pursuit of history on the line, the Boys in Blue are slated to send Tyler Glasnow to the mound against Milwaukee, which hasn't yet announced a probable starter.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The recent spate of probable Russian attacks in the Black Sea is now disrupting shipping carrying Ukraine’s latest harvest to the rest of Europe, with some cargo being rerouted overland or through the River Danube, Politico reported.
    — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of probable

Browse Nearby Words

presumptions
presumptive
presumptuous
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Cite this Entry

“Presumptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presumptive. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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