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
  • Having produced one such number per participant, the standard approach then pools all of them into a group average, on the assumption that individual differences are noise that will be canceled out.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Even if the wars do continue, the identities of both major parties are in flux—existing coalitions are shaky, and the tremors could lead to unexpectedly competitive races in seats drawn around outdated assumptions.
    — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of assumption
Noun
  • Some universities have a long standing tradition of continually testing students’ ability to explain and rationalise their theories.
    — Reynald Fasciaux, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The defense said the government’s theory is unsupported and urged the judge to dismiss the charges.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 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 12 Oct. 2026.

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