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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

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 Well, living in the present tense is perhaps being a bit presumptuous for Felicity, but which sister murdered whom and is now impersonating them is for Charlie to sort out. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 9 May 2025 In the comments, many readers agreed that the boyfriend's sister is being presumptuous and unreasonable by asking the couple to put their plans on hold for her wedding. Erin Clack, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025 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 The former athlete/coach-mind in me couldn’t help but cringe…is ND being too presumptuous here? Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 23 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for presumptuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presumptuous
Adjective
  • 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
  • Unlike Swimply, Shvimply’s interface removes any imagery that could be considered immodest.
    Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Zane played the arrogant Cal Hockley, who was engaged to Jack's love interest, Rose (played by Kate Winslet).
    Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Hardly seems like enough to cow these arrogant companies into behaving, especially when their business model is so intrinsically tied to hoovering up other people’s information and creative work.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Also on deck for Lionsgate are Good Fortune starring Keanu Reeves as a meddlesome angel along with Seth Rogen and Aziz Ansar and Hunger Games helmer Francis Lawrence’s Stephen King adaptation, The Long Walk.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Now, Courtney Brown, an associate professor at Southern Methodist University (SMU), has taken a bold and creative step forward.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Backstage, hair and makeup looks were designed to echo the avant-garde edge of his collection—a reminder that timeless beauty can be both bold and modern.
    Essence, Essence, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Guigal’s strategy isn’t built on pompous conservatism, but in long-term thinking.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Louis Partridge will take on the scheming Mr Wickham, with Jamie Demetriou playing the pompous Mr Collins, Daryl McCormack as Jane’s beloved Mr Bingley, Siena Kelly as his sister Caroline and Shaw as the fearsome Lady Catherine de Bourg.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2025
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
  • 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
  • Probably would be tough to surmount the December high near $259 very soon, given the interplay of valuation (back above 30-times forward earnings) and modest growth profile.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Al Sefati is an AI-forward enterprise search marketing and digital marketing expert and CEO of Clarity Digital Agency.
    Al Sefati, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Their pretentious vocabulary is what’s keeping progressives from connecting with everyday Americans, according to a memo prepared by a left-leaning think tank and aimed at helping Democrats regain their common touch.
    Nolan Finley, Twin Cities, 11 Sep. 2025
  • For him, the only way to tell those stories without being pretentious is to wrap them in insanity.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Presumptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presumptuous. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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