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
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Cárdenas played a pivotal role in Mexico's democratization, beginning with his first presidential bid in 1988, which ended in a defeat widely regarded as the result of widespread electoral fraud. — Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026 France’s economy unexpectedly contracted in the third quarter, adding to a pile of worries over the European power’s fortunes in the run-up to divisive presidential elections. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026 His 1988 presidential defeat, widely regarded as the result of massive electoral fraud, helped spur a democratic movement that reshaped Mexican politics. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 That would guard against the possibility that right-wing presidential candidate Marine Le Pen might win the election and influence the choice. — ABC News, 29 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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