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 Until recently, it was widely assumed that the dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency, and investors’ desire to hold U.S. assets, would rule out the capital flight and market crashes that have befallen Turkey and many other countries under similar strains. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 28 July 2025 The team assumed command of firefighting efforts on July 26, according to InciWeb. Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 28 July 2025 But officials in Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties shouldn’t assume they’ll be spared by their political leanings. Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025 The instruments are more clearly defined on the alternates, before, one assumes, Eno artfully smeared the final takes. Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for assume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • To the local big-game purists, sharks were the stray dogs of the sea, and if Mundus was willing to control the population he was accepted as an eccentric asset to the community.
    Pat Smith, Outdoor Life, 24 July 2025
  • The Dawg Pound is an iconic part of the Browns franchise and one of the best representations in sports of fans feeling like and being accepted as part of the organization.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • And yet, nearly half report difficulty staying productive on the road (46%), and half say business travel negatively affects their well-being (50%).
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Caiden and the injured passenger were taken to a local hospital where Caiden died, officials said.
    David Chiu, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Bot gets two points this time for beating me and guessing in three.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • After Dugan was charged on April 25, many at the courthouse incorrectly guessed that Judge A was Milwaukee County Judge Marisabel Cabrera, a former Democratic lawmaker who narrowly won her judicial seat last year.
    Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Upon spotting himself on the big screen, Cohen immediately reached over and pretended to make out with a shocked Cooper.
    Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 22 July 2025
  • Dad is the one who's going to pretend to be a predator stalking the child and pretending to be a big, scary monster.
    Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • The company employs around 10,000 mostly office workers in its hometown.
    Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 29 July 2025
  • Fed employees are employed at regional banks across the country, with about 3,000 based in Washington, DC.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • But research indicates that parents shoulder much of the burden.
    Christine Carrig, The Atlantic, 21 July 2025
  • However, the last round of talks ended in stalemate between some wealthy nations that produce plastics and the developing countries that often end up shouldering the burden of plastic waste.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Don’t let pride keep you from a retail or hospitality job (presuming those aren’t in your career path).
    Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 19 July 2025
  • It was presumed that the photos were of Eady, who Moore was feuding with at the time.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The rivers are also supposed to represent how the commons area will bring people of different backgrounds together.
    Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
  • There’s never supposed to be an episode about X political philosophy or X cultural philosophy for the family.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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