assume

Definition of assumenext
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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 After all, assuming new tasks requires another round of training, not just for middle-aged workers changing careers but also for retirees adopting new pursuits. Literary Hub, 18 June 2026 In preparation for a throng of World Cup fans, Romo set up a separate event space two blocks away from their restaurant and centered on their food truck, which Romo assumed would serve fans walking along the boulevard, perhaps to and from the Fan Festival. Eric Adler june 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026 The site was more than 30 miles (48 kilometers) from where the ship was assumed to have been lost. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 18 June 2026 If there’s hope for the event (and that’s assuming the World Cup deserves the benefit of hope), that now all rests on the players—particularly those from the host nations’ teams. Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for assume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • Not ready to accept a blowout loss, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Ermin Mahmić lands one in the net in stoppage time!
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
  • The United States entered the conflict seeking to eliminate Iran’s leverage, constrain its regional influence, and force it to accept strict limits on its nuclear program.
    Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Riccobono said that the training needs to start with something as basic as the right way to approach a blind passenger.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • Rejoining would also generate yet more uncertainty for companies which are only just adapting to the new trading relationship, said Sean McGuire, a director at the Confederation of British Industry, a business lobby group.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • And guess what's going to end up happening?
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • Ujal Thakor was first to the buzzer, incorrectly guessing Tennessee.
    Louis Peitzman, Entertainment Weekly, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Aegon, reeling from his brother’s betrayal and, likely, the early stages of opiate withdrawal, refuses to pledge (pretend) fealty to the Blacks and so Larys reveals Aegon’s identity.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
  • But for a little while in Pinehurst, a room full of journalists and a parking lot full of golf fans agreed to pretend otherwise.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Many California counties do not employ a single defense investigator who can interview witnesses, review police reports, visit crime scenes and retrieve video surveillance footage.
    Anat Rubin, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Though Olson had no defensive chances, the incident highlighted the extreme measures the Braves are employing to navigate their extensive injury woes and depth limitations this season.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Move the pulley to shoulder height.
    Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2026
  • People stood shoulder to shoulder and even lined the railings of a nearby parking garage overlooking the square.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • These presumed long-shot performers are entered by their reps or themselves every year.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 June 2026
  • This act of resistance is considered intrinsically valuable because it is presumed always to result in a reward.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Under their memorandum of understanding, fighting is supposed to cease on all fronts - including Lebanon.
    Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
  • According to the agreement, the two sides are supposed to negotiate the issues in 60 days but Baghaei said the deadline could be extended if necessary.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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