as in plausible
worthy of being accepted as true or reasonable
in that climate of fear, an accusation alone was presumptive evidence of guilt
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Recent Examples of presumptive
The Miami Dolphins signed and introduced their new presumptive starting quarterback on Thursday, three days after striking the deal to land Willis – a move that followed the decision to part ways with Tua Tagovailoa and accept an NFL-record $99 million dead cap hit over the next two years.
—
CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Nick Pivetta, the Padres’ presumptive opening-day starter, is being given extra rest between starts due to what is described as arm fatigue.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Jessie Buckley is the presumptive best actress front-runner heading into the Oscars for her moving portrayal of Agnes.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
In the primary for Harris County Attorney, Democratic candidates Judge Audrie Lawton-Evans and Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin will face off in the March primaries for a chance to run against presumptive Republican candidate Jacqueline Lucci Smith in the November election.
—Samantha Ketterer, Houston Chronicle, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for presumptive
CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Nick Pivetta, the Padres’ presumptive opening-day starter, is being given extra rest between starts due to what is described as arm fatigue.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Jessie Buckley is the presumptive best actress front-runner heading into the Oscars for her moving portrayal of Agnes.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
In the primary for Harris County Attorney, Democratic candidates Judge Audrie Lawton-Evans and Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin will face off in the March primaries for a chance to run against presumptive Republican candidate Jacqueline Lucci Smith in the November election.
—Samantha Ketterer, Houston Chronicle, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for presumptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presumptive
Adjective
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William Atherton’s Jerry Hathaway—the money-hungry mad king behind Project Crossbow—is unfortunately medium plausible.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
10 Apr. 2026
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Earlier reports said the wedding would take place on June 13 — seemingly plausible because 13 is Swift’s favorite number.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Risk assets could still rally even if kinetic attacks continue, provided Hormuz shows credible signs of reopening.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2026
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Candidates to the country’s National Assembly are chosen in local elections, but critics point out that there is no credible opposition, little transparency and all candidates have to belong to the Communist Party.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Initially listed as probable, White got downgraded to questionable following the Hornets’ morning shootaround.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
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Even before the rule takes hold, people are mourning a probable casualty.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Presumptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presumptive. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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