presumptive

adjective

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

But with the shock of Trump's 2016 victory still fresh, some Democrats are painfully aware that significant factors could emerge in the 45 days before the election that could derail their presumptive success. — Steve Peoples, Fox News, "Overconfident? Dem optimism surges as midterms approach," 22 Sep. 2018 Max Scherzer, the presumptive starter with the game being held at Nationals Park, has a 2.33 ERA. — Andy Mccullough, latimes.com, "Dodgers pitcher Ross Stripling makes All-Star team; Max Muncy doesn't win fan vote," 12 July 2018 According to the plea deal, each faces a presumptive sentence of one year in prison. — Kelsey Mo, azcentral, "Mesa couple accused of helping daughter hide baby from father pleads guilty," 23 May 2018 Browns Coach Hue Jackson said Thursday that Tyrod Taylor, the quarterback acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Bills, would be the presumptive starter this season. — Marc Tracy, New York Times, "N.F.L. Draft 2018 Round 2 and 3 Live Updates," 28 Apr. 2018 Democrats are seemingly quite content with their presumptive nominee, Kyrsten Sinema. — Chris Stirewalt, Fox News, "Power Rankings: Not so peachy primaries," 9 July 2018 But when asked more general or less presumptive questions, these participants kept such negative information to themselves. — Eric Vanepps, Time, "The Best Way to Get People to Tell the Truth, According to Science," 11 July 2018 Those injuries sent Embiid sliding down from the presumptive No. 1 pick in that year's draft, slipping to the eagerly awaiting Sixers at No. — The Crossover Staff, SI.com, "What's LeBron's Best Option This Summer? Debating 10 Teams and One Crazy Idea," 5 June 2018 Even the fifth and final postseason berth in the American League — the second wild-card spot, most likely — has a presumptive favorite. — Ted Berg, For The Win, "The American League postseason races could be historically boring," 5 July 2018

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.