suppose

verb

sup·​pose sə-ˈpōz 

usually after "I" ˈspōz

supposed; supposing

transitive verb

1

a

: to lay down tentatively as a hypothesis, assumption, or proposal

suppose a fire broke out

suppose you bring the salad

b(1)

: to hold as an opinion : believe

they supposed they were early

(2)

: to think probable or in keeping with the facts

seems reasonable to suppose that he would profit

2

a

: conceive, imagine

b

: to have a suspicion of

3

: presuppose

intransitive verb

: conjecture, opine

Synonyms of suppose

• estimate
• guess
• calculate
• figure
• make
• reckon
• put
• gauge

Examples of suppose in a Sentence

Suppose a fire broke out. How would we escape?

Just suppose for a moment that you agreed with me.

Supposing he refuses to help, what do we do then?

The renovations will cost much more than we originally supposed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Chloe Webb’s performance as Nancy Spungen, the junkie girlfriend who Sid probably murdered (the role of Nancy was originally supposed to go to Courtney Love), is breathtaking in the nakedness of its emotion. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026

For example, a European Space Agency program to demonstrate small, suborbital hops called Themis was originally supposed to perform low-altitude hop tests by 2022. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026

As an imperial family member who is not supposed to make political statements, Akishino was nuanced in his comments. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

In a wide-ranging interview that includes Carter’s thoughts on Ryan Coogler’s upcoming X-Files reboot and reflections on the show’s final seasons, the filmmaker explains why this is how the movie was always supposed to be. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French supposer, from Medieval Latin supponere (perfect indicative supposui), from Latin, to put under, substitute, from sub- + ponere to put — more at position

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing suppose

• I don't suppose

Rhymes for suppose

• aloes
• arose
• bestows
• boroughs
• buboes
• cargoes
• cocos
• compos
• compose
• crossbows
• demos
• depose

Kids Definition

suppose

verb

sup·​pose sə-ˈpōz 

supposed; supposing

1

: to take as true or as a fact for the sake of argument

suppose a fire should break out

2

: to hold as an opinion : believe

they supposed they were on the right bus

3

: to come to a conclusion arrived at by guessing

who do you suppose will win