presumably

adverb

pre·​sum·​ably pri-ˈzü-mə-blē How to pronounce presumably (audio)
Synonyms of presumably
: by reasonable assumption

Synonyms of presumably

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Examples of presumably in a Sentence

presumably he's going on the trip for business reasons, but we have our doubts
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Reid pulled him aside both of the last two days for one-on-one conversations, presumably to discuss assignments and coverages. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026 If traded, Vea would presumably get a contract extension from the acquiring team. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Luckily for all parties involved, these bad boys have been in the storage shed outside Sanford Stadium presumably since the bus parked on the ride back from this game 15 years ago. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Feaster just turned 17 in late May — and presumably would be one of the youngest players ever to suit up for USC. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for presumably

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of presumably was in 1846

Browse Nearby Words

presumable
presumably
presume
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Cite this Entry

“Presumably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presumably. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

presumably

adverb
pre·​sum·​ably pri-ˈzü-mə-blē How to pronounce presumably (audio)
: one would presume : it seems likely : probably
presumably he'll come later

More from Merriam-Webster on presumably

Nglish: Translation of presumably for Spanish Speakers

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