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.
The party recently named New Mexico as one of the earliest states for its next presidential primary, bolstering its prominence in national politics and ensuring more visits from White House hopefuls. — Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026 The party is currently polling at approximately 35% in voter intention surveys ahead of next year’s presidential election — far away the first-place party. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026 VoteHub projects that two-thirds of Texas voters will cast their ballots during early voting this year and that total turnout could approach the number of ballots cast in the 2024 presidential election. — Jack Fink, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Mounted cavalry units escorted Carney's vehicle to the sprawling Turkish presidential compound, where a welcoming ceremony was held. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 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

Cite this Entry

“Presidential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presidential. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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