1
as in immodest
showing a lack of proper social reserve or modesty
it's a little presumptuous of you to assume that I'm your new best friend just because I invited you along
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude
the presumptuous doctor didn't even bother to explain to me the treatment that I would be receiving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in meddlesome
thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited
the presumptuous salesclerk started picking out some very expensive accessories for the outfit I had just chosen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of presumptuous
Nothing at Gwyn is overly presumptuous, though; in fact, the clothing still retains a markedly Cali-cool identity, which is to say it’s rooted in minimalism.
—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
Originally called People United to Save Humanity — the presumptuous title was soon changed to People United to Serve Humanity — PUSH became his pulpit.
—
Johanna Neuman,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
But these Prime exclusive home gifts, like the under-$30 candle warmer and this electric throw blanket, aren’t presumptuous.
—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Dec. 2025
The mother took him in, pitying his orphan status and appreciating his straightforward manners, neither servile nor presumptuous, but respectful and unembarrassed and warm.
—
Daniyal Mueenuddin,
New Yorker,
23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for presumptuous
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
Originally called People United to Save Humanity — the presumptuous title was soon changed to People United to Serve Humanity — PUSH became his pulpit.
—
Johanna Neuman,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
But these Prime exclusive home gifts, like the under-$30 candle warmer and this electric throw blanket, aren’t presumptuous.
—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Dec. 2025
The mother took him in, pitying his orphan status and appreciating his straightforward manners, neither servile nor presumptuous, but respectful and unembarrassed and warm.
—
Daniyal Mueenuddin,
New Yorker,
23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for presumptuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presumptuous
Adjective
-
West Germany, arrogant attitude adjusted, pounded Chile, 4-1.
-
Lasso, in his initial introduction to audiences, wasn’t the warm, pun-loving, inspirational coach audiences would eventually embrace through Apple +, but a slightly arrogant buffoon parodying the average American sports fan.
Adjective
-
The notable summer development, to this point, has been the Dolphins’ lack of interest in adding superior outside options at safety, edge and cornerback.
-
This chip enables advanced on-device AI for superior active noise cancellation, focusing on isolating human speech and handling dynamic sounds.
Adjective
-
The tribe wants to build a travel center on the land along a busy highway on Long Island.
-
Because Saturday is typically the busiest day for car sales, most dealerships remain open then and close on Sundays instead.
Adjective
-
Historian Sandgruber describes how Alois Hitler wrote his 1895 letters in a deeply smug, anti-clerical manner that overestimated his abilities.
-
Li at times plays Cola with a smug impetuousness that belies her naivety about this world to a satisfying degree.
Adjective
-
The 101 recipes are chef-smart without being pretentious or complicated.
-
But there’s much to like here — from the two leads, the numerous Bay Area shots (the Golden Gate Bridge should get a supporting actor credit), Nick Offerman as a pretentious, cruel chef and Lukas Gage as a clueless cretin love interest/coworker.
Adjective
-
Lee will play Maya, the officious Chief of Staff for the Governor of Oklahoma.
-
Her Southern accent is slightly clipped and officious, the type of drawl that’s a stamp of a suburban upbringing.
Adjective
-
Swift will either ignore the noise as usual, or smile at the absurdity as a secure, proud childless cat lady.
-
Looking back, Fox is proud to be part of such a perennial classic.
Adjective
-
Among them a City boy wearing three Fit-Bit-type devices, two beautiful Middle Eastern sisters, an outrageously pompous elderly American (sorry; eavesdropping), and several Imelda Marcos lookalikes, tottering out of the treatment rooms with, somehow, their elaborate hairstyles still intact.
-
The usually pompous Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9th had to be pared down for fear of Ukrainian drones.
Cite this Entry
“Presumptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presumptuous. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
