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 Elliott was first reported to have assumed a position in the oil and gas company back in February, driving a share rally amid expectations that its involvement could pressure BP to shift gears from its green strategy and back toward its core oil and gas businesses. Ruxandra Iordache,sam Meredith, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025 But Coyle argues that imperfect estimates are better than assuming a price of zero, which is assuredly wrong. Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 When a crew member, who has an autistic daughter, assumed they had been diagnosed, Ramsey sought out a formal psychiatric assessment. Esther Kang, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025 And there’s usually some wiggle room, a premium being paid to reap future opportunities or a discount to assume some risk. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • Ja-young not only realizes what’s going on but accepts her grandson’s decision, becoming a reluctant ally in the charade.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
  • About 20 Americans will be accepted into the program to begin in June.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The child remains in the care and custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement and was placed with a foster family, the agency said.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Tucked one of my wings, and just... dodged right out of there, said, 'Hell no, brother.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Many theories have been floating around about what may have caused the rearranging with some guessing another stage and others imagining an extraordinary set design.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg guessed Johnny Rzeznik from Goo Goo Dolls.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After watching a movie with Stoddart, the teenage boys pretended to leave, only to sneak back into the house through the basement shortly after.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • In the video, Jax Ulbrich, pretending to be Loomis, called Sanders to falsely inform him that the Saints, one of the teams discussed as a potential landing spot for Shedeur prior to the draft, were selecting him with their third-round pick.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The company created huge plants in America employing thousands and pushing the envelope for the home team in the EV space.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Nike has employed its resources to look at every detail of the attempt, including footwear, apparel, aerodynamics, physiology and mind science.
    Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Suppliers in more vulnerable environments shoulder the consequences.
    London Business School, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Economists expect consumers to shoulder at least some of that tax burden in the form of higher prices, depending on how businesses pass along the costs.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While the prosecution has the burden to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, the defendant has the right to be presumed innocent and have their day in court.
    Jordan Wright, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The Pretrial Fairness Act, which took effect in September 2023 and ended the use of money bond in Illinois, recognizes the foundational principle that every person is presumed innocent until they are proven guilty.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The stay in the beach house was supposed to clear their heads, and Joe wasn’t supposed to show up.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Social functions on campus are also supposed to end by 11.00 p.m. between Sunday and Thursday.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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