presidential

adjective

pres·​i·​den·​tial ˌpre-zə-ˈden(t)-shəl 

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

ˌpre-zə-ˈden(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

ˌprez-ˈden(t)-

adverb

a presidentially appointed judge

Examples of presidential in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Victories by Germany’s AfD in state elections have thrown the viability of the country’s government into doubt, while France’s National Rally is the odds-on favorite to win next year’s presidential election. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race in 2024 was an early case in point. — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

However, Ocasio-Cortez’s left-wing policies on the oil industry will hurt her presidential ambitions in states such as Pennsylvania, Concha said. — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026

The issue could also play prominently in the early stages of the next presidential campaign, which could begin shortly after the midterms. — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing presidential

• pre-presidential
• presidential government
• presidential/royal pardon

Rhymes for presidential

• consequential
• deferential
• existential
• exponential
• influential
• nonessential
• penitential
• precedential
• preferential
• providential
• referential
• residential