presupposition

noun

Definition of presuppositionnext
as in assumption
something taken as being true or factual and used as a starting point for a course of action or reasoning the cynic's presupposition that everyone acts out of purely selfish motives

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for presupposition
  1. assumption
  2. theory
Noun
  • Rethink old assumptions and embrace new possibilities when Uranus cooperates with Pluto.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 18 July 2026
  • Judging by the latest Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, that seems a reasonable assumption.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026
Definition of assumption
Noun
  • One theory is that English and European voices provide an air of authority, even legitimacy, to a sport which, while embraced by millions in America, is still ‘foreign’, certainly when compared to NFL, baseball and basketball.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Speculation was rife; one unproven theory was that someone had heated the sensor with a hairdryer.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Definition of theory
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Presupposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presupposition. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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