Synonyms

presidential

American

[prez-i-den-shuhl] / ˌprɛz ɪˈdɛn ʃəl /

adjective

of or relating to a president or presidency.
of the nature of a president.

Other Word Forms

nonpresidential adjective
postpresidential adjective
prepresidential adjective
presidentially adverb
unpresidential adjective
unpresidentially adverb

Etymology

Origin of presidential

From the Medieval Latin word praesidentiālis, dating back to 1595–1605. See presidency, -al ¹

Explanation

Anything presidential has something to do with a president, or with the office of the presidency. A line of black cars with flashing lights driving down a Washington, DC street is probably the presidential motorcade. In the US, the presidential residence is the White House, and the presidential term is four years. A presidential election can seem like it lasts even longer. You can also use this adjective for things that are typical or appropriate for a president. A presidential wave, whether the president gives it or not, is commanding and confident. And it's well known that candidates who don't look presidential aren't often elected, even if they're more than capable of running the country.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Its mandate is to establish a public presence within the nation’s capital: a reminder of the weightiness of the presidential office and a statement of grace within the life of the nation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is considering a presidential run, was not on the convention schedule.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

But the man widely regarded as a leading contender in the 2028 US presidential election will face huge challenges too when talks begin Saturday in Islamabad.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Its candidate has also been disqualified from the presidential race on the grounds that he did not have enough sponsors to back his candidacy.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Incredibly, presidential security was very weak in that era, even during wartime; almost anyone could walk into the Executive Mansion without being searched and request a brief meeting with the president.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023