presumably

adverb

pre·​sum·​ably pri-ˈzü-mə-blē How to pronounce presumably (audio)
: by reasonable assumption

Examples of presumably in a Sentence

presumably he's going on the trip for business reasons, but we have our doubts
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That said, nearly all independent economic forecasters now predict that when the tariffs push prices higher, presumably soon, the economy will slow significantly. Susan Page, USA Today, 1 May 2025 In a new division of the world, Russia could presumably preside over Central Asia and most or all of Europe, dismissed so contemptuously by Vice President J. D. Vance and others. Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025 Those who follow these story arcs in pulp form will presumably appreciate the movie’s fresh take on a figure who could go either way, toward allyship or destruction. Peter Debruge, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025 At Serena's house, Nick arrives to meet June, presumably to sneak her back over the Canadian border. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for presumably

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of presumably was in 1846

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Cite this Entry

“Presumably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presumably. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

presumably

adverb
pre·​sum·​ably pri-ˈzü-mə-blē How to pronounce presumably (audio)
: one would presume : it seems likely : probably
presumably he'll come later

More from Merriam-Webster on presumably

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