1
as in arrogant
showing a lack of proper social reserve or modesty
it's a little presumptuous of you to assume that I'm your new best friend just because I invited you along
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in busy
thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited
the presumptuous salesclerk started picking out some very expensive accessories for the outfit I had just chosen
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of presumptuous
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
There have been presumptuous attempts, for example, to pin Bieber’s pill and promethazine addictions on the fallout from his two-day stay with the Bad Boy Records founder.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for 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
There have been presumptuous attempts, for example, to pin Bieber’s pill and promethazine addictions on the fallout from his two-day stay with the Bad Boy Records founder.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for presumptuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presumptuous
Adjective
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The actor has one daughter with ex-wife Melanie Griffith and has been dating his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel since 2014. 05 of 09 John Lithgow as Lord Farquaad The actor behind the arrogant Lord Farquaad boasts an impressive career that began decades before Shrek came out in 2001.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
1 Mar. 2025
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Many members of its board appeared arrogant in the face of questions from the prosecutor or one of the lawyers.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Understand Barcelona Cruise Port Barcelona’s cruise terminal is one of the busiest in the world, serving as a major gateway for Mediterranean itineraries.—
David Nikel,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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On the music side, Lil Boat hasn’t been too busy yet in 2025.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The point is not to be lifelike or fact-based but familiar and formulaic—in a word, predictable.—
Namwali Serpell,
The New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2025
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The idea is both familiar and transformative: public fridges, placed in neighborhoods, stocked by the people, for the people—no questions asked.—
The Glamour editors,
Glamour,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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There’s something officious about Alden Ehrenreich.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
21 Jan. 2023
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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
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While the Duttons are just barely scraping by, the smug evil-doer is enjoying a warm bath in his mansion.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
23 Feb. 2025
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Most of your editorials, John Brummett, Rex Nelson, and John Deering, are blatant Trump haters, and their smug, condescending echo-chamber mindsets are constantly denigrating, mocking, and disrespecting at least 64 percent of your potential readers.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In part because of Dell Curry on the mic breaking down the action, jockeying between proud dad and TV analyst from his perch alongside play-by-play man Eric Collins up in Section 105.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Mar. 2025
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Angie Stone was proud to be an Honorary Member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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There is a distance between a patient and a doctor or a nurse—there is an innate imbalance—and yet the procedures and conversations are deeply personal, even intrusive.—
Cressida Leyshon,
The New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2025
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To stay ahead, businesses should explore how technology can enhance personalization without feeling intrusive.—
Heidi Grimwood,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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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
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In my family you were not allowed to be immodest or boastful.—
Tribune News Service,
The Mercury News,
28 June 2024
Cite this Entry
“Presumptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presumptuous. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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