presumably

adverb

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

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.
However, what’s happening this month (specifically on Saturday, Jan. 25, according to content copywriters who presumably never step outside at night) remains an arresting sight. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 The latest chapter of the Butler-Heat saga came one day after the Phoenix Suns swung a deal with the Utah Jazz to acquire three first-round draft picks that the Suns are expected to use as pieces in another trade — presumably one that would bring Butler to them. Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025 His body was found nine days later inside a suitcase hidden under a concrete slab inside a house in Santiago in which he was presumably tortured. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025 With Gardner-Johnson in the lineup, presumably, there won’t be as many coverage busts. Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near presumably

Cite this Entry

“Presumably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presumably. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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