presumptive
Americanadjective
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affording ground for belief or presumption.
presumptive evidence.
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based on likelihood or presumption.
a presumptive title; the presumptive nominee.
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regarded as such by presumption; based on inference; assumed.
a presumptive case of pneumonia.
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Embryology. pertaining to the part of an embryo that, in the course of normal development, will predictably become a particular structure or region.
adjective
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based on presumption or probability
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affording reasonable ground for belief
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of or relating to embryonic tissues that become differentiated into a particular tissue or organ
presumptive epidermis
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of presumptive
From the Late Latin word praesūmptīvus, dating back to 1555–65. See presumption, -ive
Explanation
Having a good reason to believe that something is true means that it is presumptive — you could call a person you assume will be nominated for school president the "presumptive nominee." After an election, when the votes are still being counted but it's clear who the winner will be, reporters often talk about that person as the presumptive winner. And if a doctor were fairly certain you had strep throat, she might call it her presumptive diagnosis. The Latin root word is praesumptionem, which means "confidence or audacity."
Vocabulary lists containing presumptive
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933–2020) Tribute List
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United States v. Nixon (1974)
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Cosmos
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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.
In an interview this week, Hassett played down speculation that he was the presumptive favorite in betting markets.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025
He leads the field, with presumptive nominees Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor, at 17%, and current Fed governor Christopher Waller at 15%.
From Barron's • Oct. 14, 2025
It is a little strange to see the presumptive mayor of New York City break bread with comedians like Mullen and Halkias in the reedy territory in which they operate.
From Slate • Jun. 26, 2025
Mamdani’s meteoric rise to becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for mayor of New York, an office that is both local and national, has made him many enemies in the media.
From Salon • Jun. 26, 2025
As her favorite nephew, Bertie was Aunt Agatha's presumptive heir.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
