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as in cavalier
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 presumptuous Maybe some person will be presumptuous enough to wonder aloud what might have influenced the plot of this book. Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025 Stone sails through all this, seeing off the sneering disapproval of white America and the presumptuous demands of the Black Panthers with equal disdain, and for a time his band, the aptly named Sly and the Family Stone, become a republic within the republic. Damon Wise, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025 Any suggestion that the Eagles offense is just as formidable without Hurts is either hopeful or presumptuous. Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 This was regarded as a tad presumptuous, even for Trump. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for presumptuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presumptuous
Adjective
  • By losing some of its arrogant charm, Doom has also lost the means to back it up.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
  • For example, when a man in his sixties talks about the same thing, he’s seen as calm and logical, but when a woman in her twenties talks about it, she’s seen as arrogant or trying to act mature.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Topline Newark Liberty International Airport experienced a lengthy air traffic control outage Sunday morning, shortly before Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the airport should scale back its operations amid air traffic control issues at the busy New Jersey airport.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • Between the award show appearances, several hit television shows, and red carpet events, the couple remains busy but grounded in their purpose for their growing family.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some of this uncertainty is coming from familiar sources, and some from new developments.
    Amanda Tickel, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • With three birdies also added on the card, Scheffler walked into the clubhouse with a familiar position on the leaderboard at a major.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • There’s something officious about Alden Ehrenreich.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Jan. 2023
  • Her charming luxury treasure trove has none of that officious chilliness that defines the typical store of its ilk but instead feels like a brocanterie crammed with interesting, unexpected luxury goods from across the world.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • To his critics, Jost’s smug humor felt noticeably anachronistic at a time when the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements were calling for a greater awareness of society’s deep inequalities, and for ostensibly liberal institutions to do better.
    Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
  • The series has been characterized by smug antics in defeat.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Jaylon is a proud alumnus of the University of Georgia.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
  • The narrative continues to evolve, due in no small part to proud descendants of Hiram, James and Wallace.
    Jacoba Urist, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The couple cited the intrusive U.K. press and a lack of support from the palace as their reasons for the move.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025
  • For some, that same gesture can feel intrusive – even jarring.
    Brian N. Chin, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Not to be immodest, but the third did more than the second and the second did more than the first.
    Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2024
  • Not to be immodest, but the third did more than the second and the second did more than the first.
    Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Presumptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presumptuous. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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