presume

verb

pri-ˈzüm How to pronounce presume (audio)
Definition of presumenext
1
as in to assume
to form an opinion from little or no evidence I presume you'll fly if you do go

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to say
to take as true or as a fact without actual proof we should presume that a person is innocent until proven guilty

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 presume The decree, which must be converted to law by parliament within 60 days, also automatically presumes that anyone over age 14 is capable of understanding their own actions, unless proven otherwise. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 Everyone charged is presumed innocent while their cases move through the courts. — Raven Lightsey, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 Defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Right now, there are zero Black performers in Gold Derby’s presumed top five in each acting category. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for presume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presume
  1. assume
  2. say
  3. guess
  4. believe
  5. suppose
  6. think
  7. suspect
Verb
  • Figures assume a married, two-earner couple with one child earning $99,999 and are not adjusted for inflation.
    — Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Walczak’s estimates assume local governments raise tax rates enough to fully replace the lost revenue, based on state property records for every parcel in Florida.
    — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of assume
Verb
  • What employers are doing Kostka says there have recently been fewer health insurers in her area to choose from.
    — Alana Semuels, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Hamilton, in response, said that his church changed its policies in response to the scandal and eventually turned the matter over to police.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of say
Verb
  • Sorry to say it, but right now, guessing is what many are doing.
    — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
  • That Bell was the inspiration for Sherlock Holmes was still known to only a handful of people, including Robert Louis Stevenson, who had by then guessed the truth.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of guess
Verb
  • For that reason, Republicans believe the seat is a likely pickup this fall in what is otherwise a difficult midterm environment.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing in the UK, said police believed the country Abdulkarim was assisting was Iran.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of believe
Verb
  • Rodríguez was initially supposed to serve only 90 days as acting president, but has remained in office and has made no move to call an election.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • David Moore, who fields the short-field punts precisely because he’s supposed to be sure-handed, muffed one.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of suppose
Verb
  • Most Americans don’t want more data centers and think AI is developing too fast.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Although the mattress developed some minor misshaping after a month of heavy use, Moon still thinks it’s packed with value.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of think
Verb
  • Kaula suspects a few of his colleagues were trapped in the basement.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Detective’s interview with nurse An Independence police detective interviewed Lawson’s nurse, who worked overnight when the shooting is suspected to have occurred.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of suspect

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presumably
presume
presumed
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Cite this Entry

“Presume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presume. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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