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
The mother took him in, pitying his orphan status and appreciating his straightforward manners, neither servile nor presumptuous, but respectful and unembarrassed and warm.
—
Daniyal Mueenuddin, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025
The request felt presumptuous, especially given the logistics involved.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025
On its face, this behavior is perplexing, presumptuous even.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 11 Oct. 2025
Thanks in advance' This phrase can seem presumptuous, undermining the other person's ability to say no.
—Melody Wilding, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for presumptuous
Daniyal Mueenuddin, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025
The request felt presumptuous, especially given the logistics involved.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025
On its face, this behavior is perplexing, presumptuous even.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 11 Oct. 2025
Thanks in advance' This phrase can seem presumptuous, undermining the other person's ability to say no.
—Melody Wilding, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for presumptuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presumptuous
Adjective
-
The immodest middle section celebrates their grandson, Charles V, who commissioned this facade and decorated it with the complex coat of arms of the mighty Habsburg Empire.—
Rick Steves,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Smoking in public is considered immodest, and women are legally required to wear hijabs.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
19 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The history of classic Athens shows us that a Democracy can misuse its power, become arrogant and become a tyrant.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Maekar refuses, earning a cutting rebuttal from Dunk about the royal upbringing that turned Daeron (Henry Ashton) into a drunken coward and Aerion into an arrogant and cruel madman.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The fact is, in a newsroom full of meddlesome, sometimes pushy people, Beverly was none of that.—
Brad Schmitt,
Nashville Tennessean,
20 Oct. 2025
-
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
-
The men’s capsule imbues the same collegiate spirit, with polos and shirting in sprightly patterns—albeit, slightly bolder than women’s—alongside said new take on the retailer’s windproof blouson, in khaki, sand and navy, plus relaxed sports shorts.—
Alice Cary,
Vogue,
3 Mar. 2026
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With his new Inside Out Denim Collection, Flanigan reimagines timeless denim staples through a bold, conceptual lens—proving that everyday wear can still feel elevated and intentional.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The pompous clergyman enters the life of the Bennet family, his distant cousins, with the assumption that, given his respectable position and benefactor, Lady Catherine De Bourgh, one of those daughters would be happy to marry him.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
-
In Italy in the 1960s, announcements about a state-of-the-art highway that would soon connect the economically struggling south with the advanced north were as pompous as the scale of the project.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
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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This was Arsenal’s existence in the late 2000s and early 2010s, building for a brighter future that never came, neglecting weaknesses in their team to add another beguiling young creative talent to their midfield or forward line.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Johnson finished with eight points and 11 rebounds, and senior forward Maron Bowes had seven points and 10 rebounds.—
Bobby Narang,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
She had been blamed for breaking up the greatest band of all time; her art was pretentious and nonsensical; her music was unlistenable.—
Sadie Sartini Garner,
Pitchfork,
21 Feb. 2026
-
And not to get too pretentious, but in a Greek theater setting, the archetypes these guys represent.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Presumptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presumptuous. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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