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 Prioritize safety, stay impeccably informed, and assume responsibility to shield lives and property. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025 Until voters have real choices at the ballot box, New Tax Day will remain an annual reminder that in Illinois, fiscal pain is assumed — and political accountability is not. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025 Some may assume that losing teeth is just part of growing older. Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025 Earlier this year, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria fired Chief Operating Officer Eric Dargan and personally assumed those day-to-day city responsibilities. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for assume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • The 45-year-old accepted a wild card to the Mubadala Citi Open in Washington, D.C. Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh hit a pair of home runs last night to bring his season total to 38, one shy of Barry Bonds’ 2001 record for homers before the All-Star break.
    Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • The bank could accept up to $5 billion during a fiscal year for the loans, loan guarantees, and bonds for eligible projects.
    Molly Gibbs, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Two men are dead following a shooting in Dundalk on Monday, Baltimore County Police say.
    Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2025
  • Officials say 27 campers and counselors died at Camp Mystic, including young girls from various states.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Trying to differentiate the bad from the good, guessing who’s lying or telling the truth, and attempting to solve a true crime thriller are all mental puzzles that are endlessly frustrating yet completely entertaining.
    Paulina Jayne Isaac, Glamour, 5 July 2025
  • Still, Geragos guessed both of those numbers were far off base.
    Tracy Wright , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • The scams might start out with a text from someone pretending to be a government official, such as a local sheriff.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 10 July 2025
  • Adams, who started as a center forward pretending to be former Arsenal, Barcelona and New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry, recalled taking his earliest steps in soccer in Wappinger.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • And importantly for companies, why employ thousands of humans to answer those calls?
    Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • Israeli warships and ground launchers also employ the medium/long-range Barak air defense system, which compared to David’s Sling is fully-indigenous, cheaper and slightly shorter-ranged.
    Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • As health insurance premiums continue to climb across the country, a new report from WalletHub highlights which states are shouldering the heaviest burdens—and which are paying relatively little.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • After Lauryn Hill closed out the opening night of Essence Festival in the wee hours of Saturday morning, festival organizers shouldered blame for the delay.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • When four top film studio musicians formed the Hollywood String Quartet in the late 1930s, its name was presumed an oxymoron.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
  • The Iguana is presumed retired, having not made a peep in over a year.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • However, the two have faced complications during what’s supposed to be a pretty easy process, leading them to believe the source of the problems is King Charles.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 4 July 2025
  • Her answer was presumably supposed to justify her vote.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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