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
  • Democracy supporters opposed to the junta have warned the international community against falling for the military’s election plan, and say such a poll will never be accepted by the people.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025
  • If accepted, students must then pay new member dues, according to university websites.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The driver of the motor vehicle remained at the scene and was not injured, according to Bessette. Road closures were in effect in the area of the crash as the Waterbury Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit investigated the incident, Bessette said.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Last year, acting and literary arts programs paused receiving new applications, Elmendorf said.
    Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Bot gets 1 point for guessing in three and 1 for beating me.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • While watching, fans of the OG series will be unable not to guess which character is most like their favorite original characters.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The scammer will pretend to be verified customers and leave reviews for the products that are delivered to unsuspecting residents.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The latest text message attacks making headlines (1,2,3) pretend to be from Amazon.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Her system employs a slightly faster pace and more creativity, which demands risk.
    Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Angry parents confronted the board two months after the massacre demanding to know why Arredondo was still employed at that time.
    Leigh Waldman, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Conversely, failure to address pricing inequities will keep U.S. consumers shouldering disproportionate costs, fueling political pressure for heavy-handed solutions.
    Rita Numerof, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Financial cuts in Kansas and Missouri have one local child welfare agency, which helps kids in foster care and those who have been adopted, struggling to shoulder the impact.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • However, labor arbitrage + AI presumes that most of the delivery can remain offshore or at least remote, with limited real-time collaboration.
    Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The other bit of good news for Love is that he is presumed not to have to miss any significant time due to the procedure.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Pascal was originally supposed to star in Weapons in Brolin's role of Archer before the Hollywood strikes delayed production and forced the A-lister to bow out.
    EW.com, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • One aspect that the AI makers have already undertaken is to emphasize in their online licensing agreements that users aren’t supposed to use the AI for mental health advice, see my coverage at the link here.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

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