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
Othram's analysis produced a presumptive DNA match to Kratzer, which was later confirmed through a comparison sample provided by his sister.
—
Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
Madsen returned to Boise State in 2025 as the presumptive starter after helping take the Broncos to a second straight Mountain West championship and a College Football Playoff appearance last season.
—Idaho Statesman, 10 Nov. 2025
With no presumptive nominee or clear party leader after the 2024 presidential election loss, the Democratic field remains widely contested—a scenario that could reshape the party’s electoral strategy, policy direction and prospects for challenging Republican front-runners in upcoming races.
—Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 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
See All Example Sentences for presumptive
Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
Madsen returned to Boise State in 2025 as the presumptive starter after helping take the Broncos to a second straight Mountain West championship and a College Football Playoff appearance last season.
—Idaho Statesman, 10 Nov. 2025
With no presumptive nominee or clear party leader after the 2024 presidential election loss, the Democratic field remains widely contested—a scenario that could reshape the party’s electoral strategy, policy direction and prospects for challenging Republican front-runners in upcoming races.
—Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 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
See All Example Sentences for presumptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presumptive
Adjective
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The most plausible entrant may be a late-season episode of Strictly Come Dancing, which could creep into the lower echelons of the top 10.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
5 Jan. 2026
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First is that the upbeat thesis is fully rational and plausible.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Years later, in June 2023, the FBI and the Department of Justice said there was no credible evidence of foul play in his death, according to a DOJ report.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
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But that was found not to be a credible threat and everyone is safe.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Frederique was listed as probable in Miami’s first injury report this week; UM removed the injury designation on subsequent reports.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2026
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In mid-November, the company readjusted them downward again, and said its sales in 2026 are likely to be impacted by a probable adverse economic and geopolitical environment, and a negative euro-dollar exchange rate to the tune of around 20 million euros, among other factors.—
Jennifer Weil,
Footwear News,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Presumptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presumptive. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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