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.

She announced in July that she would not run for California governor — leaving the door open for a presidential run or something else — then published a book in September rehashing her campaign.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Black voters have played a crucial role in deciding the party’s nominee in presidential primaries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Others shouted "Let's go to Miraflores!" referring to the presidential palace.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 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

"After the excitement has blown over and not more than six months after the trial, you will be freed with full presidential pardon and complete exoneration of all charges on which you will be tried."

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

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