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 The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation would assume oversight, implementing new rules on retailers and players while expanding regulatory review. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 All this is assuming Pulisic remains a Milan player. Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 16 May 2025 McBride wrote the premiere’s cold open — in which Elijah murders a preacher while robbing his collection box, then assumes his identity — several years ago. Alison Herman, Variety, 5 May 2025 Outside of any current 118 members, and assuming we aren’t cruelly subjected to more of that racist clown Gerrard, the station’s next captain remains anybody’s guess. Andy Swift, TVLine, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for assume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • Rather than accept those limitations, Dr. Gu decided to build something better.
    William Jones, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Schumer’s announcement comes as Trump’s plan to accept the luxury jet to use as Air Force One has drawn strong pushback from Democrats, and even some Republicans, who have raised legal and ethical questions about the move.
    Erin Doherty, CNBC, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • In an interview, Vance had said Christian teachings advocate for prioritizing love, first for family, then neighbors, community, fellow citizens, and lastly, the world.
    Rhona Tarrant, CBS News, 9 May 2025
  • Both reports noted billing patterns indicative of potential fraud among hundreds of providers, the OIG said.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • En route, Ellie tries to guess what the surprise might be, but comes up snake eyes.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 May 2025
  • The Fever deployed three starting lineups in the preseason, but no one would have guessed that had Saturday been someone’s first time watching the 2025 team.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • An investigation revealed the teen had corresponded online with an individual pretending to be a 20-year-old woman, later identified by authorities as Kassi.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 10 May 2025
  • The exercise, which lasted two days, had the participants pretend that the sun expelled several giant coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which were hurtling toward Earth.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Boards that print just enough to avoid litigation but not enough to foster trust employ the same playbook.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • The pilot model in general is more often employed in comedy as a proof of concept for tone, chemistry among the ensemble cast, comedic timing and other key ingredients of a successful series.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The Minnesota plaintiffs allege that the health care giant was negligent in its handling of the cyberattack, and that their organizations shouldered a financial burden in the aftermath.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
  • Simone is especially good at showing how defensive and withdrawn some people become when shouldering the burden of a traumatic experience.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • It had long been presumed that the former would be supported by the safety net provided by the rule of law.
    Mark A. Cohen, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • Pretty much in place since May 7, the panel of 12 plus six alternates was presumed to be locked up this morning after prosecutors and defense lawyers went some last minute objections and challenges.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Records aren’t supposed to matter in Derby matches.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
  • The film series centers on various groups of people who survive catastrophic accidents they weren’t supposed to live through.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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