presumptive
adjective
pre·sump·tive
pri-ˈzəm(p)-tiv 
1
: based on probability or presumption
the presumptive nominee/winner
see also heir presumptive
2
: giving grounds for reasonable opinion or belief
A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent is considered presumptive evidence of drunken driving in Louisiana for those 21 and older.—
Joe Gyan Jr.
Joe Gyan Jr.He was admitted to the hospital with a presumptive diagnosis of cellulitis.—Mary Jo Bonner
Mary Jo Bonner… health departments in 20 states reported 100 presumptive or confirmed human cases of arboviral disease …—The Journal of the American Medical Association
The Journal of the American Medical Association3
: being an embryonic precursor with the potential for forming a particular structure or tissue in the normal course of development
presumptive retina
presumptively
adverb
Examples of presumptive in a Sentence
in that climate of fear, an accusation alone was presumptive evidence of guilt
Recent Examples on the Web
Kelly spent three terms in the Illinois House before leaving to work for then-treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, now Illinois’ secretary of state and a presumptive leading candidate for mayor of Chicago, and then for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2026
In February 2009, former Diamondbacks CEO Jeff Moorad became the Padres’ CEO and presumptive team owner after majority owner John Moores agreed to a three-year installment plan to transfer control of the club.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2026
In keeping with the travel tease of the film, its couples — including the presumptive one — head north to Siena and Gia’s family’s home.
—Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
Peterson outduels Dybantsa — for a half The first half of a battle between presumptive top-3 NBA draft picks Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa left no doubt who should be the top choice, writes CJ Moore.
—Torrey Hart, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for presumptive
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2026
In February 2009, former Diamondbacks CEO Jeff Moorad became the Padres’ CEO and presumptive team owner after majority owner John Moores agreed to a three-year installment plan to transfer control of the club.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2026
In keeping with the travel tease of the film, its couples — including the presumptive one — head north to Siena and Gia’s family’s home.
—Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
Peterson outduels Dybantsa — for a half The first half of a battle between presumptive top-3 NBA draft picks Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa left no doubt who should be the top choice, writes CJ Moore.
—Torrey Hart, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for presumptive
Cite this Entry
“Presumptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presumptive. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
presumptive
adjective
pre·sump·tive
pri-ˈzəm(p)-tiv
1
: expected to develop in a particular direction under normal conditions
presumptive regions of the blastula
2
: being the embryonic precursor of
presumptive neural tissue
3
: giving grounds for reasonable opinion
a presumptive diagnosis of dengue
presumptive or confirmed cases of communicable disease
Legal Definition
presumptive
adjective
pre·sump·tive
pri-ˈzəmp-tiv
1
: based on presumption : presumed to have occurred
a presumptive violation of law
2
: giving grounds for reasonable opinion or belief
presumptively
adverb
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