1
as in arrogance
an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims
only a person of unparalleled presumptuousness would assert that she knows all there is to know about words
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gall
shameless boldness
he found that a certain amount of presumptuousness could get you in trouble, but it could also get you into places where you normally weren't allowed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 presumptuousness
Aggie is appalled at Nile’s presumptuousness, his entitlement.
—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
6 Dec. 2025
Optimistic Miami Dolphins fans — assuming there are any left right now; forgive the presumptuousness — could find a way to be (relatively) encouraged coming out of Thursday night’s game.
—
Miami Herald,
22 Sep. 2025
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
6 Dec. 2025
Optimistic Miami Dolphins fans — assuming there are any left right now; forgive the presumptuousness — could find a way to be (relatively) encouraged coming out of Thursday night’s game.
—
Miami Herald,
22 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presumptuousness
Noun
-
Needless to say there was no second date, and, eventually though painfully, my own arrogance had some of its rough edges worn down.
-
In Episode 3, Harris discussed the early arrogance of the founding fathers who made proposals for America's independence and questioned who was entitled to freedom.
Noun
-
For in the last years of her life she will be troubled by terrible digestion and chronic bowel problems set off by a bout of grave illness, diagnosed as typhoid fever and gall-bladder disease, in the autumn of 1860.
-
This microscopic roundworm lays its eggs in root tissues, causing swellings or galls to develop on infected roots.
Noun
-
Critics argued that the message of a White man elevated above both a Native American and an African symbolized racial superiority.
-
Word about Hitler’s belief in Aryan superiority had spread far, and many observers warned of its genocidal, war-bringing ramifications.
Noun
-
And yet Corfino tried to calm my nerves.
-
The splint came off around day five, which was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
Noun
-
The presumption of innocence was used by Queiroz to justify the decision to include Partey in Ghana’s World Cup squad and by Spanish club Villarreal to justify his signing last summer as a free agent.
-
The letter makes presumptions about herbicides and pesticides that do not line up with its proposal outlined on a website detailing the training center project, the statement said.
Noun
-
Watching that Rosetta Stone-cold stupid footage here, you’re struck not only by his audacity, but by the scene’s excruciating comic pacing.
-
Visionary Colors is all about chromatic audacity, with gemstones being the major focus.
Cite this Entry
“Presumptuousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presumptuousness. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
