Synonym Chooser

How is the word infer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of infer are conclude, deduce, gather, and judge. While all these words mean "to arrive at a mental conclusion," infer implies arriving at a conclusion by reasoning from evidence; if the evidence is slight, the term comes close to surmise.

from that remark, I inferred that they knew each other

Where would conclude be a reasonable alternative to infer?

In some situations, the words conclude and infer are roughly equivalent. However, conclude implies arriving at a necessary inference at the end of a chain of reasoning.

concluded that only the accused could be guilty

How are the words deduce and infer related?

Deduce often adds to infer the special implication of drawing a particular inference from a generalization.

denied we could deduce anything important from human mortality

When is gather a more appropriate choice than infer?

While the synonyms gather and infer are close in meaning, gather suggests an intuitive forming of a conclusion from implications.

gathered their desire to be alone without a word

In what contexts can judge take the place of infer?

The synonyms judge and infer are sometimes interchangeable, but judge stresses a weighing of the evidence on which a conclusion is based.

judge people by their actions

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 infer Some of the businesses offer products that could violate provisions of the bill, particularly a ban on software that infers workers’ mental states. Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 17 June 2025 In the new study, the authors suggested that inferring personality from facial features, especially traits that signal a threat or potential harm, could be an adaptive mechanism. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 By collecting data and simulating fluids on computers, physicists have been able to infer some of turbulence’s qualities. Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 16 May 2025 Gone were the days when ovulation could be loosely inferred from intuition and a calendar—modern methods required data. Anonymous, Vogue, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for infer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infer
Verb
  • All of these inputs to the model simulations are primarily derived from observational data.
    Ben Santer, Scientific American, 4 July 2025
  • While much of the popularity of the program is derived from its ability to inspire online debate, even the showrunners have noticed an uptick in the nastiness of the commentary.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • All signs indicate that the theme of this summer is staying in, and the wine bar trend taking over TikTok right now confirms it.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
  • Look for the first hints of color change to indicate a tomato is ready to harvest.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Some things are beyond the capacity of a child to understand, while others resonate most profoundly out of the mouths of babes.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 5 July 2025
  • The class is offered by the Peace and Justice Institute, an Orlando nonprofit that hosts workshops on topics like conflict resolution, understanding trauma, emotional intelligence and parenting.
    Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Billionaire hedge-fund manager Bill Ackman offered to bankroll someone, anyone, who would run against Mamdani, implying his mayoralty would spur a flight with the ultrarich.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • The decision implies he might have been changed by Gi-hun’s choice to hold onto his humanity.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • After a marathon session, the Senate narrowly passed their version of the legislation with Vice President Vance having to cast the deciding vote.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Last year, for the very first time, Mónica Martínez López decided to run for office.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • But only $2 million is being allocated to nutrition, an amount experts suggest is inadequate.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • UPenn also released a statement acknowledging the agreement, and suggested changes to its swimming records will be made.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • General manager Marc Eversley hinted after Wednesday’s first round that the Bulls were considering a trade down in the second round — and that the roster is expected to undergo further change before the season.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
  • Executive producer Coogler has hinted the show will also tee up some themes from Avengers: Doomsday.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Infer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infer. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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