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

The presumptive diagnosis is a pelvis injury, according to Dr. Rick Arthur, the chief veterinarian for the CHRB. — John Cherwa, latimes.com, "Santa Anita denies horse racing board’s request to close despite two more deaths," 9 June 2019 And the best evidence of that is their offensive line: Staley’s extension means every presumptive starter is signed through at least 2021. — Eric Branch, SFChronicle.com, "49ers’ deal with Joe Staley gives offensive line long-term stability," 6 June 2019 And don’t forget Boston, the presumptive East favorite in the preseason that can still live up to expectations. — Brian Mahoney, The Seattle Times, "Warriors start playoff road, without LeBron there at the end," 12 Apr. 2019 Harden is a superstar and the presumptive winner of the Most Valuable Player Award for the 2017-2018 season. — New York Times, "James Harden and P.J. Tucker: Name a More Iconic Fashion Playoff Duo," 22 May 2018 And as of this writing, Conor Lamb is, nonetheless, the presumptive winner of an election that remains too close to officially call. — Eric Levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "5 Lessons From the Pennsylvania Special Election," 14 Mar. 2018 And everybody, including the PG 2.5’s namesake player, was left wonder just how in the hell a shoe outfitting the presumptive number one pick in the NBA draft could come undone less than a minute into a basketball game. — Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, "Sneaker Blowout Science: How Zion Williamson’s Nikes Came Apart," 22 Feb. 2019 Her death left Leopold heartbroken and England without an heir-presumptive. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "Who Was Queen Victoria's Uncle, King Leopold I of Belgium?," 18 Feb. 2019 Meanwhile, DeSantis, who claimed victory in the governor’s race, is already acting like the presumptive nominee, appointing a transition team. — Tara Golshan, Vox, "Florida’s high-stakes recounts for governor and Senate, explained," 15 Nov. 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.