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
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of presumptuous
Thanks in advance' This phrase can seem presumptuous, undermining the other person's ability to say no.
—
Melody Wilding, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
For someone to assume that, because they have been invited one year, they are entitled to celebrate with you in perpetuity is presumptuous.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Going to say that’s a little bit presumptuous, Netflix.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
From rowdy behavior to overcrowding, tourists have earned a bad rap from locals – with Americans often seen as some of the loudest and presumptuous ones – but a new survey reveals whether Europeans actually agree.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for presumptuous
Melody Wilding, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
For someone to assume that, because they have been invited one year, they are entitled to celebrate with you in perpetuity is presumptuous.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Going to say that’s a little bit presumptuous, Netflix.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
From rowdy behavior to overcrowding, tourists have earned a bad rap from locals – with Americans often seen as some of the loudest and presumptuous ones – but a new survey reveals whether Europeans actually agree.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for presumptuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presumptuous
Adjective
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Best of all, this is the kind of hobby that requires only a relatively modest investment of money, along with an absolutely immodest investment of time and attention.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
6 Dec. 2025
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His own immodest needs included regular meals at some of Midtown Manhattan’s finest restaurants, including Per Se, Jean-Georges, Masa and Marea, according to prosecutors.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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A lot of people who are that level of arrogant, there’s also an immense insecurity, right?—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
12 Jan. 2026
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The boy is arrogant, Helen thinks.—
Sadia Shepard,
New Yorker,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The fact is, in a newsroom full of meddlesome, sometimes pushy people, Beverly was none of that.—
Brad Schmitt,
Nashville Tennessean,
20 Oct. 2025
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The special ops unit chases every lead possible, from bribes to Mexican drug cartels, a meddlesome L.A. District Attorney (Merrick McCartha) and corruption in the government of Belarus.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Fran Drescher channeled Fran Fine for her bold and beautiful glam at the 2026 Golden Globes.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
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This simple taupe geometric style peel-and-stick wallpaper is affordable, easy to apply, and looks gorgeous without being too bold or loud.—
Brittney Morgan,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Jeffrey Tambor Known for playing the pompous, self-important mayor of Whoville, Jeffery Tambor also has an esteemed career across television and film.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Dec. 2025
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Among the latter is ravenous beaver Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster, hilarious), who turns out to be a key ally, and pompous new mayor Brian Winddancer (Patrick Warburton), a stallion who used to be an actor.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The former is the nerdier, more officious type in his bow tie and sport coat, the latter more rakish, a one-time rabble rouser who’s just happy to have something interesting to do.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Aug. 2025
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Fast & Furious is notable for adding the character Gisele (Gal Gadot) and smaller players like Shea Whigham's officious Stasiak.—
Declan Gallagher,
EW.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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To hear the full episode, subscribe through iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app (include the forward slashes when searching).—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
8 Jan. 2026
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This Sabres team has accumulated the sort of critical mass of talent that’s required to attack their opponents with three dynamic forward lines and two dominant defensive pairs regularly.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The result is a unique brand of luxury that is warm, welcoming, and intentional—not pretentious.—
Nina Ruggiero,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
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Jonathan’s making pretentious anti-capitalist films at NYU.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
1 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Presumptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presumptuous. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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