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
Relevance
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
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
Adjective
-
The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Her Facebook shares several adoring accounts about him with no signs evident of trouble.—
Scott Butler,
Florida Times-Union,
4 Feb. 2026
-
As the seasons change, Red Ledges’ thoughtful approach to a time-rich lifestyle is evident in every aspect of the community.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But the security pitfalls are equally apparent.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
-
One month later, Epstein died in an apparent suicide while awaiting trial at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Heat are muddling along with a roster that isn’t good enough to do anything of significance, have no young player with obvious star upside, can’t create significant cap room for at least two more years and owe a future pick to the Hornets from the disastrous Terry Rozier trade.—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
-
There is no obvious sign any of the officers were injured.—
Jude Joffe-Block,
NPR,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The obvious first step is to gather as much light as possible.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 Feb. 2026
-
According to her mother, the group held onto her as long as possible, which gave rescuers time to respond.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This ought to be axiomatic to anyone with even a rudimentary conception of American constitutionalism.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Dec. 2025
-
Whether this knowledge is acquired through data collection and analysis, by physical experimentation, or using mathematical analysis based on axiomatic principles, the result is new understandings and insights.—
Sheldon H. Jacobson,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
All the supposed post-regionalism—the borrowing from Houston and Memphis and the jagged online underground—was simply the medium through which a new Harlem superstar had chosen to express himself, like Big L’s glossy hypertechnique or Cam’ron’s Giuliani-baiting absurdity.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
20 Jan. 2026
-
The half-dozen prosecutors have left after the DOJ wanted a probe into supposed ties Becca Good, Renee’s widow, has to activist groups, The New York Times reported, citing the DOJ’s reluctance to investigate Good’s killing as another reason the prosecutors are stepping down.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
While there’s been some chatter about the possibility of a zero-hour reprieve, as talks with potential investors are ongoing, the recent cancellation of the nine MLB contracts is said to have made the unmistakable sound of the other shoe dropping.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Elijah’s pride in his mother is unmistakable.—
Adrienne Farr,
Parents,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prima facie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prima%20facie. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
