prima facie

adjective

Definition of prima facienext
1
as in presumed
appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed a prima facie case of tax fraud

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in evident
not needing proof in order to be accepted actions that established a prima facie case of discrimination

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 prima facie While most states follow absolute speeding limits, some have presumed or prima facie speeding limits, according to a database created by Massachusetts Institute of Technology software engineer John Carr. — Ana Faguy, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2022 Many unsuccessful Black head coach candidates will probably meet this initial (prima facie) case of discrimination. — Eric Bachman, Forbes, 26 Jan. 2022 Yelp argued that it ought not be required to respond to the subpoena because Mirza failed to establish a prima facie case. — Jack Greiner, The Enquirer, 11 Jan. 2022 None of these scenarios is prima facie impossible, and therefore, once raised, none can be dismissed out of hand. — Lindsay Beyerstein, The New Republic, 10 Dec. 2021 See All Example Sentences for prima facie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prima facie
  1. presumed
  2. evident
  3. apparent
  4. obvious
  5. possible
  6. axiomatic
  7. supposed
  8. unmistakable
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Definition of presumed
Adjective
  • That was particularly evident as the club looked to replace franchise shortstop Dansby Swanson, whose absence has forced an infield shuffle and several changes to the big-league roster.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • His separation and quickness were always evident, and despite being a bit undersized, his type of game can succeed at the NFL level.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • This led to a segment on Newsmax in which anchor Carl Higbie deleted one Jelly Roll song from his phone on air, demonstrating the apparent righteous power of tapping a touch-screen button.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Colleges put limits on the right of students and teachers to express points of view that departed from this new apparent consensus.
    — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • The comparisons between the start of Ray Allen’s and Klay Thompson’s Miami Heat stories seem obvious.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Yet with no obvious signs of trauma, the researchers couldn’t say what sent the woman to an early grave.
    — Mike McRae August 25, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Choose one repeatable step, book it into your calendar, and let consistency make the plan more possible.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Lawmakers in Canada, in an effort to be diplomatic, had rescinded that Online Streaming Act to get more favorable terms on a possible cross-border trade and tariffs deal.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • Statements tend to be axiomatic rather than descriptive of particular individuals.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 10 June 2026
  • Just a few years after the arrival of ZF, Kurt Gödel showed that no axiomatic system capable of basic arithmetic can be used to prove its own consistency.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of axiomatic
Adjective
  • But clearly any supposed rivalry between the legendary bands is water under the bridge.
    — Peter Gicas, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026
Definition of supposed
Adjective
  • The actress was said to be a friend of Cusk’s, or at least an acquaintance, and her double in the book, who’s just called M, is unmistakable.
    — Emma Alpern, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Little, who speaks with an unmistakable Texas twang, saw the border closure as a chance to reshore the US cattle industry and stop the bleed.
    — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of unmistakable

Browse Nearby Words

prima donnas
prima facie
primal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prima facie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prima%20facie. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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