presumptive

adjective

pri-ˈzəm(p)-tiv How to pronounce presumptive (audio)
Definition of presumptivenext
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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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 presumptive Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, the youngest of the king's children, is the presumptive heir because sons take precedence in Thailand's line of succession. — CBS News, 12 June 2026 His youngest son, 21-year-old Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, is the presumptive heir because sons take precedence over daughters. — Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, the youngest of the king’s children, is the presumptive heir because sons take precedence in Thailand's line of succession. — ABC News, 11 June 2026 The presumptive frontrunner in the GOP contest is Bobby Charles, an attorney and former Navy intelligence officer. — The Npr Network, NPR, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for presumptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presumptive
  1. plausible
  2. credible
  3. probable
Adjective
  • The most plausible path may be to skip floor debate altogether, allowing lawmakers to bypass a full Senate floor debate.
    — Julia Gledhill, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The first proposition is plausible; the second is arguably self-serving.
    — Harry Booth, Time, 17 July 2026
Definition of plausible
Adjective
  • To the Delray crowd, Jolly is the only credible choice for governor in a state gone catastrophically wrong.
    — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026
  • The goal is to demonstrate that circular denim can be inspiring for designers, credible for sourcing teams, relevant for brands and compelling for consumers.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 17 July 2026
Definition of credible
Adjective
  • On Sunday, the Braves announced their probable starting pitchers for an upcoming four-game series against the Padres this week at Truist Park.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 19 July 2026
  • Because of the probable length of the report, Silver was asked about reading such a voluminous amount of information and if things would be resolved before the start of next season.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of probable

Browse Nearby Words

presumptions
presumptive
presumptuous
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Cite this Entry

“Presumptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presumptive. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on presumptive

Nglish: Translation of presumptive for Spanish Speakers

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