1
2
as in cavalier
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude the presumptuous doctor didn't even bother to explain to me the treatment that I would be receiving

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

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 presumptuous This was regarded as a tad presumptuous, even for Trump. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025 That’s not to say Aspinall cannot compete with him in the latter rounds, but that would be highly presumptuous. Brett Appley, The Athletic, 26 July 2024 The light-skinned kid, Turner (Brandon Wilson), rebuffs Elwood’s gesture in response, thinking him presumptuous or fey, probably. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024 The former athlete/coach-mind in me couldn’t help but cringe … is Notre Dame being too presumptuous here? Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 26 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for presumptuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presumptuous
Adjective
  • In a world where deal flow is crucial, being labeled as an arrogant VC results in missing out on prime opportunities.
    David Nour, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The arrogant anti-union stance did not start with the current CEO; even the legendary Studs Terkel was slapped down by WFMT management for his earlier support of an effort to unionize in 1990.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But standing in a busy subway station, Duffy vowed to continue providing the city with federal support and confirmed the administration has not withheld funding.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • After two years of busy construction, John and Mable had completed their 56-room Mediterranean Revival masterpiece in 1926, at a time when no homes of such scope existed in Sarasota.
    Thao Thai, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And then, aren’t cats emblematic of whatever is familiar but ultimately unknowable?
    Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Customers at Clark’s can expect a menu that looks familiar to those who enjoyed The Good Wurst.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s something officious about Alden Ehrenreich.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Jan. 2023
  • Her charming luxury treasure trove has none of that officious chilliness that defines the typical store of its ilk but instead feels like a brocanterie crammed with interesting, unexpected luxury goods from across the world.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • But my in-laws seemed not to catch this smug look of his, and when my mother-in-law excused herself to go to the bathroom, my father-in-law took the opportunity to go over to his desk and take out one of his special blue envelopes.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 2 Apr. 2025
  • But those smug computers obviously haven’t seen a shirtless Illini coach Brad Underwood and his Super Soaker squirt gun.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Mike is a native of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the proud home of Steelers training camp, and graduated from American University in Washington, D.C.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Mizrahi - What was the proudest moment of your career?
    Isaac Mizrahi, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Vizio TVs reportedly show Trump immigration messaging when in standby An experience recently shared by an apparent Vizio TV owner illustrates how ads delivered via TV operating systems (OSes) can take ads from annoying to intrusive and offensive.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
  • In some cases, the impact of technology on intimacy is even more intrusive.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Not to be immodest, but the third did more than the second and the second did more than the first.
    Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2024
  • In my family you were not allowed to be immodest or boastful.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 28 June 2024

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Presumptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presumptuous. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on presumptuous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!