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 Aim to be mindful, compassionate, and respectful, Goldman says, and open the conversation in a kind, non-assuming way. Angela Haupt, Time, 29 Jan. 2026 On an equal distribution basis, each class member would receive $363, assuming none opt out. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Tang will assume her duties, reporting to Adult Swim president Michael Ouweleen. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026 Payments were assumed to be solved by banks. Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • Orphans and widows do not often accept the wider geopolitical need for their immediate grief.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Goldis, wanting to accept the invitation, requested prior approval in accordance with the policy, but the NYAG’s office denied her petition.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Adam Mendelsohn, a communications adviser and former deputy chief of staff to Schwarzenegger as governor, said there’s an appetite in California for greater accountability under what is essentially single-party rule.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Egyptian authorities said roughly 150 hospitals across the country are prepared to receive patients evacuated from Gaza, while the Egyptian Red Crescent has set up support areas on the Egyptian side of the crossing.
    Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Josh — A lot of individual investors think your job in the stock market is to guess what’s going to happen and place your bets accordingly, especially in front of meaningful binary events like earnings reports.
    Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Ho Jin is visibly un-enthused, and Uncle guesses Mu Hee has given him an unfavourable impression of them.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Besides its provocative moniker, there’s a reason the app went mega-viral without spending a dime on advertising — and didn’t even have to pretend to be a buzzy new AI product.
    Catherine Thorbecke, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Ignoring the Rules of the Road Treat the grocery cart like your car and pretend that every aisle has a stop sign on either end, says frequent shopper and Senior Lifestyle Editor Ivy Odom.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The department did not respond to questions about the eight deputies are still employed.
    Christopher Damien, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Viewers are not expected to notice changes on NFL Network until April, when those employed by NFL Media become part of ESPN.
    Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Chinyelu, Condon and Thomas Haugh, who scored 22 points, did not have to shoulder the load Sunday before a sellout crowd of 10,627 in the O’Dome.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Significant portions are diverted to lawyers’ fees and financial backers, while taxpayers shoulder the cost for decades through reduced services, higher taxes – or both.
    Jaime Huff, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • No one from the incident was transported to the hospital, and all on the flight are presumed to be deceased.
    Alex Nitzberg , Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Investigators say Potupchik was walking on the road when an unknown person, presumed to be Bosquez, pulled past him and fired multiple rounds.
    Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Finance professors rarely research NFL officiating, but the authors’ interest in regulatory capture—when regulators are corrupted by the entities they’re supposed to be regulating—led them to a trove of useful data.
    Emil Steiner, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Originally supposed to fly Sierra Space Dream Chaser test flight, but payload switched to an inert mass simulator because of potential Dream Chaser delays beyond October launch date.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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