presidential

adjective

pres·​i·​den·​tial ˌpre-zə-ˈden(t)-shəl How to pronounce presidential (audio)
ˌprez-ˈden(t)-
1
a
: of, relating to, or befitting a president or a president's authority
presidential duties/responsibilities
a presidential pardon
a presidential manner/bearing
the presidential library
b
: of or relating to the election of a president
the presidential campaign
a presidential convention
c
: performing functions delegated by or under the authority of a president
a presidential committee
a presidential agent
2
: of, based upon, or having the characteristics of presidential government
a presidential system
a presidential republic
presidentially adverb
a presidentially appointed judge

Examples of presidential in a Sentence

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.
Trump's actions have legitimized the rioters after the FBI and other federal agencies spent tens of millions of dollars hunting them and prosecuting them for their attempts to stop Congress from confirming Joe Biden's win in the 2020 presidential election. Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 Trump commuted the sentences of all Jan. 6 defendants convicted of plotting to forcibly halt the certification of the 2020 presidential election, including Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, to time served. Ella Lee, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 On cable, news viewing slumped by 27 percent following the presidential election. Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2025 Cable news, following the end of the presidential election cycle, dropped by 27%. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for presidential 

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of presidential was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near presidential

Cite this Entry

“Presidential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presidential. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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