assume

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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

Examples 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 Since assuming office in 2014, Modi has redefined governance in India by leveraging technology to drive inclusivity and efficiency. Shashi Shekhar Vempati, Baltimore Sun, 17 Jan. 2025 When Trump assumed office in 2017, just over 542,000 cases were pending. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025 As part of the deal, Kyle Bowlsby assumes the title of senior partner for Elevate. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 16 Jan. 2025 However, that’s not the only reason many are assuming Swift is the celebrity friend in question. Glamour, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for assume 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • For example, an iPhone user may be asked to reply yes (Y) or no (N) to accept a delivery.
    Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Research suggests that validation helps people feel understood and accepted, and can even defuse intense emotions.
    Angela Haupt, TIME, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trump has said there is a national emergency at the southern border, which was a central part of his campaign message, and is implementing several executive orders related to immigration and border security on his first day in office.
    Brad Dress, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
  • There are discussions in the locker room and words said in public.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • And guess what defensive coordinator loves to blitz?
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 18 Jan. 2025
  • President-elect Trump sent shockwaves through Capitol Hill on Friday by announcing that his inaugural ceremonies will take place indoors, leaving members of Congress guessing about their plans.
    Andrew Solender, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • After the first, McLaurin tried his own idea, which was pretending to pull a mask down over his head.
    Sam Fortier The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Laurel continues to mock both Emily and Ryan, and then pulls out a book to pretend to read to ignore everyone.
    EW.com, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The chain, which has seven shops across the country, employs individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The Fort Worth Police Department employs a Crisis Intervention Team whose mission is to de-escalate and resolve these situations peacefully.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Rather than pointing the finger solely at Andrews, former NFL quarterback and current analyst Chris Simms suggested Jackson needed to shoulder a significant portion of the blame.
    Chantz Martin, Fox News, 22 Jan. 2025
  • SoftBank is shouldering the financial cost of the massive project, while Sam Altman's OpenAI will spearhead executing on the operation.
    Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Lord Howe Island wood-feeding cockroach, presumed extinct for over 80 years, was found alive in 2022.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Nearly 100 hostages are believed to remain in captivity in Gaza, with some of those people presumed to be dead.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The buzz of an overachieving team that wasn’t supposed to be here was palpable.
    Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
  • It’s supposed to feature a $20.5 million permissive cap, meaning schools don’t have to share the maximum.
    Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near assume

Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on assume

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