presidential

adjective

pres·​i·​den·​tial ˌpre-zə-ˈden(t)-shəl 

ˌprez-ˈden(t)-

1

a

: of, relating to, or befitting a president or a president's authority

presidential duties/responsibilities

a presidential pardon

a presidential manner/bearing

the presidential library

b

: of or relating to the election of a president

the presidential campaign

a presidential convention

c

: performing functions delegated by or under the authority of a president

a presidential committee

a presidential agent

2

: of, based upon, or having the characteristics of presidential government

a presidential system

a presidential republic

presidentially

ˌpre-zə-ˈden(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

ˌprez-ˈden(t)-

adverb

a presidentially appointed judge

Examples of presidential in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, the last Democratic presidential nominee, is also scheduled to speak. —ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026

Leaving aside personal liabilities, any presidential run undoubtedly will focus national attention on Illinois and Chicago’s dismal, perilous financial state. —Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

His articles note they were drafted by Winsted consumer advocate and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader and constitutional lawyer Bruce Fein. —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026

Shapiro’s appearance comes as several Democrats eyeing a possible 2028 presidential run are attending the convention, a gathering that has long served as a key venue for engaging black voters. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing presidential

• pre-presidential
• presidential government
• presidential/royal pardon

Rhymes for presidential

• consequential
• deferential
• evidential
• existential
• exponential
• influential
• nonessential
• penitential
• precedential
• preferential
• providential
• referential