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 Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan and Nina Barker-Francis will assume the roles of wizarding trio (Harry, Ron, and Hermione respectively) for books 4-7. Todd Spangler, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025 The Royals hope Jensen can assume backup catching duties while continuing to study under Perez next year. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025 Before 1980, agencies often continued operating during funding gaps, assuming swift congressional action would follow. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 In YouTube’s demo video, the setup flow appears to assume the channel has only a single host whose likeness needs protection. ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • Members of the committee from both political parties criticized Underly for choosing to accept an alumni award at Indiana University instead of appearing before the committee Thursday to answer questions about student safety for the public that have arisen because of the Capital Times reporting.
    Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Christopher Scholtes accepted a plea deal that carries a sentence of 20 to 30 years in prison.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There is certainly one moral argument for taking games overseas, for saying that fans who follow their team from all corners of the world deserve to have their game and their heroes brought to them.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Since the city does not own the adjacent former Staples building, which Spirit Halloween is leasing, there are no plans for that building to be part of the redevelopment, said Middletown Vice Mayor Steve West.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Nelson may have guessed correctly on the president digging his heels into tariffs seven years on from his first term, but the taxes may not be around for much longer.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Joyspan is for anyone who’s aging, and guess who that is?
    Angela Haupt, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tapping into his State Farm acting chops on fourth down while leading 7-0, Mahomes pretended to be frustrated with a Reid play-call before handing the ball off.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2025
  • In the finale, Brandis pretends not to see the million-dollar stash in Maeve's possession and zips the bag back up, looking up as birds sing.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But American manufacturing looks very different from five decades ago, when millions of workers were employed to perform specific tasks along assembly lines.
    Joel Williams, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Companies that employ geopolitical foresight will be better equipped to navigate disruption and unlock growth opportunities.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her Jeans Caused a Stir A recurring theme of Finding My Way is how Yousafzai has had to shoulder the expectations of both the Pakistani and international communities as a reflection of her high profile and outspokenness on social issues.
    Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, individual coverage topped $9,300, on average, this year, up 5% – with employees shouldering $1,440 of the cost and employers paying the rest.
    Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In addition, there is the servant Smerdyakov, presumed to be the illegitimate child of Fyodor and the intellectually disabled Lizaveta, nicknamed Stinking Lizaveta.
    Karl Ove Knausgaard, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Another returned set of remains didn’t match any of those who were presumed to have been taken hostage, Israel said last week.
    Tom Soufi Burridge, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • You’re not supposed to have already mastered every bullet on the job description.
    Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Speaking of unsafe, the walk-in cooler that’s supposed to keep food in cold storage at or under 41 degrees measured 65 degrees.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

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