ASSUME Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'assume' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assume are affect , counterfeit , feign , pretend , sham , and simulate . While all these words mean "to put on a false or deceptive appearance," assume often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive. // assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients

Q: When would 'affect' be a good substitute for 'assume'?

The words affect and assume are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, affect implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling. // affected an interest in art

Q: In what contexts can 'counterfeit' take the place of 'assume'?

In some situations, the words counterfeit and assume are roughly equivalent. However, counterfeit implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words. // an actor counterfeiting drunkenness

Q: How does the word 'feign' relate to other synonyms for 'assume'?

Feign implies more artful invention than pretend , less specific mimicry than simulate . // feigned sickness

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pretend' instead of 'assume'?

While in some cases nearly identical to assume , pretend implies an overt and sustained false appearance. // pretended that nothing had happened

Q: When is 'sham' a more appropriate choice than 'assume'?

The words sham and assume can be used in similar contexts, but sham implies an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible. // shammed a most unconvincing limp

Q: When might 'simulate' be a better fit than 'assume'?

The synonyms simulate and assume are sometimes interchangeable, but simulate suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something. // cosmetics that simulate a suntan

assume

verb

ə-ˈsüm

Definition of assume next

as in to accept

to take to or upon oneself we promised to assume responsibility for any damage to the flower beds caused by the volleyball game in the backyard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to say

to take as true or as a fact without actual proof everyone assumed, wrongly, that someone else was bringing dessert

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as in to guess

to form an opinion from little or no evidence as I just assumed it was too late to go out, I didn't think to ask

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as in to pretend

to present a false appearance of she assumed an air of nonchalance even though she was wildly ecstatic she was going on the date

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to employ

to provide with a paying job assumed as partner by the prestigious law firm

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb assume contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assume are affect, counterfeit, feign, pretend, sham, and simulate. While all these words mean "to put on a false or deceptive appearance," assume often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive.

assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients

When would affect be a good substitute for assume?

The words affect and assume are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, affect implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling.

affected an interest in art

In what contexts can counterfeit take the place of assume?

In some situations, the words counterfeit and assume are roughly equivalent. However, counterfeit implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words.

an actor counterfeiting drunkenness

How does the word feign relate to other synonyms for assume?

Feign implies more artful invention than pretend, less specific mimicry than simulate.

feigned sickness

When is it sensible to use pretend instead of assume?

While in some cases nearly identical to assume, pretend implies an overt and sustained false appearance.

pretended that nothing had happened

When is sham a more appropriate choice than assume?

The words sham and assume can be used in similar contexts, but sham implies an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible.

shammed a most unconvincing limp

When might simulate be a better fit than assume?

The synonyms simulate and assume are sometimes interchangeable, but simulate suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something.

cosmetics that simulate a suntan

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of assume That could mean right-sizing budgets, slashing interest rates and spending more on defense goods, all of which would be stimulative to European economies — assuming there is no massive trade war with the United States. —

Ron Insana, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025 During a family dinner, OP's father assumed the baby would be named after OP's late stepmother. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 Perhaps best known as the founder of A Bathing Ape and a streetwear pioneer in Japan, Nigo assumed the creative helm of Kenzo in September 2021. —

Miles Socha, WWD, 17 Jan. 2025 As constructed, Formby will assume starting right tackle duties opposite Kadyn Proctor. —

Kennington Smith Iii, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for assume

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume

Verb

The pair are accused by prosecutors of accepting bribes from David and Andy Duong before the 2022 mayoral election, in the form of $95,000 in direct payments and negative campaign mailers against Thao’s opponent, Loren Taylor.

— Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
All sales are final on purchases made on or after January 30, 2025. Returns can be done for purchases made before January 30, 2025, only until February 12, 2025 Gift cards will be accepted through February 12, 2025.

— Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025