presumptive

pre·sump·tive | \ pri-ˈzəm(p)-tiv

Definition of presumptive

1 : based on probability or presumption the presumptive nominee

2 : giving grounds for reasonable opinion or belief

3 : being an embryonic precursor with the potential for forming a particular structure or tissue in the normal course of development presumptive retina

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Examples of presumptive in a Sentence

in that climate of fear, an accusation alone was presumptive evidence of guilt

Recent Examples on the Web If moved to adult court and found guilty of murder, Perkins could face a presumptive life sentence but have the chance to seek parole in 15 years, earlier than the current law. — oregonlive, "Death on a Portland beach: What led to an attack on a young father, what losses followed," 26 Dec. 2019 That Killed 58 People The father of four was on stage and was only a few songs into his presumptive 90-minute set when the shooting began, prompting him and his band to take cover and flee, much like the 22,000 people in attendance that evening. — Karen Mizoguchi, PEOPLE.com, "Jason Aldean Opens Up About Trauma After Las Vegas Shooting: 'I Wouldn't Wish It on Anybody'," 12 Dec. 2019 Burrow, the presumptive Heisman Trophy favorite, led the Tigers on a pair of first-quarter touchdown drives, which ended on touchdown passes of 23 yards to Ja’Marr Chase and seven yards to Terrace Marshall. — Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, "LSU throttles Georgia 37-10 in SEC championship game," 8 Dec. 2019 Skyline 16-13 in the first round, 4A Metro League champ Ponderosa gets home field against the presumptive 4A title favorites. — Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, "Colorado prep football playoff games to watch in Week 13," 21 Nov. 2019 If moved back to adult court and found guilty of murder, Criswell and Rand could now face a presumptive life sentence in prison but have the chance to seek parole in 15 years, earlier than the current law. — oregonlive, "10 years or less if convicted of murder? Portland teen suspects to test Oregon’s new juvenile justice law," 16 Nov. 2019 Joe Biden, Obama’s vice president, entered the race as the presumptive favorite and maintains significant support from white moderates and black voters, whose backing is critical in a Democratic primary. — Fortune, "Deval Patrick Enters Crowded Race for Democratic Presidential Nominee," 14 Nov. 2019 With a Talmudic twist of logic, some Hasidic entrepreneurs take on a non-Jew as a presumptive partner, attributing profits made on the Sabbath to that person. — Joseph Berger, New York Times, "How Amazon Has Transformed the Hasidic Economy," 16 Oct. 2019 The legislature adopted sentencing standards in 2013, making the guidelines presumptive for drug and certain property offenses. — Ivana Hrynkiw | Ihrynkiw@al.com, al, "‘You ought to get a second chance’: Several Alabama inmates resentenced," 29 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'presumptive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

13 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Presumptive.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presumptive. Accessed 20 January 2020.

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More Definitions for presumptive

presumptive

adjective

pre·sump·tive | \ pri-ˈzəm(p)-tiv