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 Silverman assumes oversight of products and experiences, while NBCUniversal alum Kevin MacLellan is Paramount Skydance’s head of international. Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025 Interestingly, Burn also assumed Livramento’s long-throw duties, albeit to little success. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 American policymakers have also assumed that the risks of entanglement in the country—which has a long history of periods of military rule—outweigh the rewards. Dan Swift, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2025 With the collapse of the Soviet Union, however, Cuba-watchers in Washington no longer saw the same political utility in welcoming Cuban refugees, assuming that the Special Period heralded the imminent collapse of Castro’s rule. Miriam Pensack, The Dial, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • The Tennessee Department of Education provided a list of more than 200 schools accepting scholarship students for the 2025-26 school year.
    Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The planning commission accepted the recommendation, with a small modification related to how medical clinics are defined in the Land Development Code.
    Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • An Elanco spokesperson said the company will add public amenities next to the headquarters that neighbors can enjoy, such as a waterfront trail.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Education Department spokeswoman Rachel Starks said the total number of student awards listed in the report is not final.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Leading up to the release of Showgirl, Swift kept fans guessing about the project through a number of methods.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Despite advances in technology, some people still believe myths about guessing the baby’s gender during pregnancy.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Kids can pretend to be Chase on a case, but there are also other Paw Patrol Halloween costumes, including Marshall, Rocky, Rubble, Skye, Zuma, and Everest.
    Katrina Cossey, Parents, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Beneath the prosthetics and punchlines lies a story about the cost of pretending and the possibility of renewal.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • VistaVision was designed as a competitor to 20th Century Fox’s CinemaScope, which employed an anamorphic lens to compress a widescreen image onto standard 35mm film stock.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
  • But federal data shows that in Florida, universities, colleges and schools in the state employ thousands of workers on H-1B visas.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Mascherano shouldered the blame for the loss.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Though Democrats are blocking a stopgap spending bill, the GOP controls the House, Senate, and White House and is going to shoulder some of the blame for the shutdown.
    Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The rescue mission will prioritize locating those presumed alive, Suharyanto said, but the bodies of the victims will be recovered in due time.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The Coast Guard pulled the rafters aboard — they were saved, and presumed their rescuers would swiftly deliver them to Florida.
    Miriam Pensack, The Dial, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Are you supposed to dampen parchment paper?
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Basketball’s supposed to be fun.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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