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
  • Research suggests that validation helps people feel understood and accepted, and can even defuse intense emotions.
    Angela Haupt, TIME, 13 Jan. 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • Through the first 10 months of 2024, the city’s hotels posted average daily rates of about $205, with a 75% occupancy rate — but January, industry veterans say, is usually one of the year’s slowest months.
    Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
  • What To Know Authorities on Wednesday said 70,000 people are under evacuation orders in the Los Angeles area as wildfires burn through the region, and at least 28,000 structures are threatened.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The game, where contestants guess the letters of a mystery word or phrase, has been part of the TV landscape ever since, surviving huge changes that have splintered the mass audience.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025
  • And Johnson’s critics seemed poised to block his ascension — at least during the first vote, when two conservatives joined Massie in voting for another figure to assume the post while six others declined to vote at all, leaving observers to guess their ultimate intentions.
    Mike Lillis, The Hill, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Tips On How To Coexist With American Crocodiles By Anna Skinner Senior Writer, General Assignment 0 Some on social media are sharing their opinion on some behavior by crocodiles, worrying that the reptiles are pretending to drown to lure humans into the water, although experts have discounted this.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
  • No pretending to read I, Seamus Heaney, no Skyping with pretendfriend.com.
    Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 10 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
  • Residents who have not managed to find fire coverage after being dropped by their previous companies might have to shoulder the burden of hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages—all on their own.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Until then, players like Hart will continue to shoulder the burden.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 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
  • It’s supposed to launch on Kickstarter this spring.
    Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Without opportunities, how is anyone supposed to prove themselves?
    Emily Olsen, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near assume

Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on assume

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