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

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 Scientists have long assumed that, under these extreme conditions, the raw materials involved in the formation of worlds — gas, ice, rock and a mix of metals — don't really interact much with one another. Victoria Corless, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2025 These ratios assume stable 2025 EPS consensus expectations. Gurufocus, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 That forecast assumes tariffs go up by 15 percentage points — a huge number, but still short of the 20 percentage-point increase that's in place as of Wednesday. Felix Salmon, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025 Leading politicians assumed that the defeat of the amendment would likely kill the income tax for years, if not a generation. Jesse Eisinger, ProPublica, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • In the end, Guerrero accepted a deal for $265 million less than Soto.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Joann only accepting in-store purchases during closure All Forever 21 stores to be closed by May 1 following closing sales, operator says Is your favorite restaurant charging you extra for eggs?
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The once-daily version of the pill was in early-stage testing, with researchers trying to figure out the best dose for patients, a spokeswoman said.
    Time, Time, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Meghan Markle is said to be making a sweet-as-honey gesture toward her father-in-law.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Wearing a dress with a print that includes white can often leave people guessing.
    Maria Ward, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • After a clue brought via a time machine (what else?), guesses for Yorkie included Lori Loughlin (Thicke), Kyle Richards (Jeong), and Erika Jayne (McCarthy-Wahlberg).
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Known for inciting people of many backgrounds to pretend to long to be Irish for day, March 17 in Connecticut is generally considered a day to celebrate, drink green beer and eat corned beef or green bagels.
    Maureen Murphy, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2025
  • In most fields workers are prone to deny a problem and even pretend to enjoy the abuse.
    James L. Edwards III, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The group represents 122 dealerships that employ 12,000 workers and generated a combined $859 million in sales taxes in 2024.
    Pat Maio, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2025
  • According to the current budget, the City Attorney’s Office employs just under 425 people and will spend $85 million this year.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And while more than half of the country pays for defense lawyers entirely at the state level, in Texas the counties shoulder about 85 percent of the costs.
    Ilana Panich-Linsman, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • As the demographic tidal wave strikes in the near future, managers who used to anchor operations will shoulder even more of the workload.
    Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Fifty-nine hostages are believed to remain in Gaza -- 24 of whom are presumed to be alive.
    Tom Soufi Burridge, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Mendelian inheritance presumes that traits do not blend.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And what is she supposed to do, take a bullet for them?
    Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • After all, a true pal should be all about growing and winning together—and there’s no place for an ugly rivalry when you’re supposed to be on the same team.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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