presumably

adverb

pre·​sum·​ably pri-ˈzü-mə-blē How to pronounce presumably (audio)
Synonyms of presumablynext
: 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.
All the offices subject to the charter revisions — council, selectmen, treasurer and clerk — were on the ballot and voted for by the electors of South Windsor, presumably because the changes were not to take effect until 2027. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 14 Jan. 2026 With Will Trent staying in originals, RJ Decker could presumably move to 9 PM should High Potential end its sophomore run before the Scott Speedman freshman is done. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026 If Tomlin is interested in returning to coaching during that term, Pittsburgh would, presumably, receive compensation for their coach based on recent precedent. Mike Defabo, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026 Patrick and Jillian shared a kiss in this adorable pic taken while the couple was presumably in Italy. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Presumably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presumably. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!