prima facie

adjective

Definition of prima facienext
1
as in presumed
appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed a prima facie case of tax fraud

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in evident
not needing proof in order to be accepted actions that established a prima facie case of discrimination

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 prima facie While most states follow absolute speeding limits, some have presumed or prima facie speeding limits, according to a database created by Massachusetts Institute of Technology software engineer John Carr. — Ana Faguy, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2022 Many unsuccessful Black head coach candidates will probably meet this initial (prima facie) case of discrimination. — Eric Bachman, Forbes, 26 Jan. 2022 Yelp argued that it ought not be required to respond to the subpoena because Mirza failed to establish a prima facie case. — Jack Greiner, The Enquirer, 11 Jan. 2022 None of these scenarios is prima facie impossible, and therefore, once raised, none can be dismissed out of hand. — Lindsay Beyerstein, The New Republic, 10 Dec. 2021 See All Example Sentences for prima facie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prima facie
  1. presumed
  2. evident
  3. apparent
  4. obvious
  5. possible
  6. axiomatic
  7. supposed
  8. unmistakable
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Definition of presumed
Adjective
  • Nowhere is this misperception more evident than in looking at current electoral politics and domestic and foreign policy.
    — Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Not a whole lot has gone the NC State Wolfpack's way this season, and that was never more evident than after what the Duke Blue Devils did to them on Saturday afternoon in Raleigh.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • Instead, the conjecture addresses a specific class of quantum computations and the conditions under which their apparent advantage can be reproduced classically.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Cavaliers freshman quarterback Hassir Houston had to be carried off the field with an apparent leg injury late in the first half but returned in the fourth quarter.
    — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • While Pentagon funding is the most obvious must for some Republicans, others would push to include measures to address the cost of living, elections, farm aid, and more.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Though Pasta was not a traditional Italian restaurant, offering only a couple of appetizers and desserts and pasta dishes, the glut was obvious.
    — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Digital twin technology makes this possible by creating virtual representations of real-world objects, systems, and processes that can be updated with operational data.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The meteorological agency warned people to brace for possible strong quakes in the coming week, especially the next two to three days.
    — Yuri Kageyama, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • Statements tend to be axiomatic rather than descriptive of particular individuals.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 10 June 2026
  • Just a few years after the arrival of ZF, Kurt Gödel showed that no axiomatic system capable of basic arithmetic can be used to prove its own consistency.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of axiomatic
Adjective
  • But clearly any supposed rivalry between the legendary bands is water under the bridge.
    — Peter Gicas, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026
Definition of supposed
Adjective
  • On a recent weekend, three friends sat to the dino’s right, trying their best to ignore his unmistakable glower.
    — Hilton Als, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The bear wears Richards' peacoat with anchor buttons, carries a little black handbag and, of course, has the unmistakable beret.
    — Derek James, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of unmistakable

Browse Nearby Words

prima donnas
prima facie
primal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prima facie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prima%20facie. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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