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 That’s because automakers have, so far, been willing to assume the higher cost of building and importing vehicles instead of raising prices. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025 Through multiple rounds of Citizens takeouts since 2023, Monarch assumed more than 82,500 Citizens policies, according to data posted on Citizens’ website. Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025 But around the end of the 20th century, nerd culture assumed a more respected spot in American culture. Joe Hernandez, NPR, 20 Aug. 2025 Villasenor cautions against assuming this only happens to caregivers who are older or fit some other demographic criteria that research doesn’t support. Adrienne Farr, Parents, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • Hecker said the case should be dismissed and that Abrego Garcia is being coerced into accepting a guilty plea by the prospect of being indefinitely detained in a country halfway across the world, where his safety and liberty would be at threat.
    Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Not providing the original provenance document is considered unusual in the art world but the objects were accepted regardless, court filings show.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Overnight temperatures in the Phoenix metro area will only dip to the 90s, the NWS Phoenix office said.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Furniture will face tariffs later this year, Trump said.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • More and more people keep telling me to watch Foundation so guess what?
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Only one-quarter correctly guessed the average annual benefit, which falls between $20,000 and $30,000.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Labor Day weekend is a final chance to fire up the grill, argue over who makes the best potato salad and lounge around pretending Monday (and fall) isn’t coming.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • The callers would pretend to be collecting for causes such as clean drinking water in poor countries across the world, or for human trafficking victims.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Her system employs a slightly faster pace and more creativity, which demands risk.
    Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Tennessee’s agriculture industry employs more than 360,000 people and generates $89 billion annually, making agriculture the top contributor to the state's economy.
    Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • If the team falls off aggressively, the dynamic head coach will shoulder a large portion of the blame.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
  • The gap between what machines can do and what humans must still shoulder remains wide.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But online materials presumed to belong to the shooter paint a more complex picture, say several extremism analysts.
    Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Hank, in attempting to save himself, starts to act out a stereotype of his own, the Western loner who presumes to take on a hero’s mantle.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • That’s supposed to come out after Supergirl and The Batman Part II as the third DC project from now.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Down comforters, for example, are usually supposed to be dry-cleaned or delicately washed, then fluffed frequently while drying.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.

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