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

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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 The Patriots, for which Newton was the presumptive starting quarterback, said in a statement that Newton went to the appointment and was away for three days, testing negative each day for COVID-19. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 In the Wisconsin governor’s race, for instance, much of the support for the presumptive Democratic nominee, Francesca Hong, stemmed from her maverick stance against data centers. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026 Tom Tiffany, a three-term congressman and the presumptive Republican nominee, raised more than $15 million, thanks in no small part to a $10 million transfer from the state GOP. — Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 Child and Family Services began an investigation immediately, because in Idaho (and a number of other states), a single positive test result of THC in a newborn is considered presumptive evidence of child abuse. — Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for presumptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presumptive
  1. plausible
  2. credible
  3. probable
Adjective
  • Lauren, at least, seemed like the more plausible repeat customer.
    — Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
  • When generating text, large language models pick each next word from a set of plausible candidates.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of plausible
Adjective
  • While independence allows central bankers to make decisions without short-term political interference from presidents wanting to juice the economy, credible external scrutiny helps provide the democratic legitimacy for that independence.
    — Paul Wachtel, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The difference is that EB-1A rewards objective distinction, while NIW rewards a persuasive national-interest case tied to a credible plan.
    — Lorraine D'Alessio, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of credible
Adjective
  • That description equally well applies to our probable timeline on this planet, the way things are progressing.
    — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The more probable future is a heterogeneous computing environment where classical high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum processors collaborate.
    — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of probable

Browse Nearby Words

presumptions
presumptive
presumptuous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Presumptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presumptive. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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