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
State sentencing guidelines called for a presumptive sentence of 12 years in prison.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 18 Oct. 2025
After the graduation of five-year starter Jonah Dalmas, redshirt junior transfer Colton Boomer entered the season as the presumptive starting kicker.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 17 Oct. 2025
The exemption applies to the surviving spouses of veterans who died as a result of conditions presumed to be service related in the PACT Act, a federal law expanding Veterans Affairs health care eligibility and presumptive conditions related to exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxins.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2025
The Phillies’ hitters had so many chances to prevent manager Rob Thomson from turning to his presumptive Game 5 starter, Jesús Luzardo, on two days’ rest in extra innings.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for presumptive
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Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 18 Oct. 2025
After the graduation of five-year starter Jonah Dalmas, redshirt junior transfer Colton Boomer entered the season as the presumptive starting kicker.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 17 Oct. 2025
The exemption applies to the surviving spouses of veterans who died as a result of conditions presumed to be service related in the PACT Act, a federal law expanding Veterans Affairs health care eligibility and presumptive conditions related to exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxins.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2025
The Phillies’ hitters had so many chances to prevent manager Rob Thomson from turning to his presumptive Game 5 starter, Jesús Luzardo, on two days’ rest in extra innings.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
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 Oct. 2025.
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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