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 Ortega also explained that her age makes people assume an inaccurate sense of naiveté. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 28 May 2025 In order to be approved for any of those products, a borrower needs a strong credit profile, and the willingness and ability to assume more debt. Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 18 May 2025 States like Florida could be forced to assume billions in costs for health care and disaster preparedness. Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025 For decades, many researchers assumed the virus emerged in pigs. John Drake, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for assume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • Ryan Bos, who has been executive director of DC’s Capital Pride Alliance since 2011, was thrilled when the group’s bid to host WorldPride was accepted in 2022.
    Susan Miller, USA Today, 6 June 2025
  • Even after an offer is accepted, there is a critical window of risk during the resignation and notice period.
    Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Nearly 153,000 five-star ratings says a lot, but reviewers are saying even more.
    Shalwah Evans, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • With basketball continuing to expand globally—and with young players—Lee says that upcoming athletes gaining more notoriety could be the future of sports branding.
    Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • And leadership is left guessing where the money is leaking.
    Sally Ragab, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Participants looked at composite face images created from using images of individuals with extremely high or low scores on personality inventories, and participants were asked to guess which face had more of a particular trait.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Scam warnings have been issued in multiple states over criminals pretending to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • And by the 1930s, some of the parties, particularly Nazi Germany, merely pretended to abide by treaty limits.
    Eric S. Edelman, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • As of March 2025, Burberry employed approximately 8,700 people, nearly 500 fewer than the 9,200 employed in 2024.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • China has been employing its navy to further expand its military reach and presence, challenging America's naval dominance in the Pacific Ocean.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Younger Mainers might end up shouldering the weight of property taxes, especially considering that the Pine Tree State's population is the oldest in the nation, with nearly a quarter of its population over the age of 65, according to a 2024 report by the State Economist of Maine.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • However, the reality is that a democratic society relies on the group shouldering some costs for the benefit of the whole.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Bringing Parsimony To Web Scraping The principle of parsimony, also known as Ockham's razor, says not to presume too much when fewer presumptions are enough to explain something.
    Julius Černiauskas, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Another Bedford soldier was killed elsewhere on Omaha Beach, and three others were presumed killed in action, bringing Bedford’s D-Day fatality figure to 20 men.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Originally supposed to fly Sierra Space Dream Chaser test flight, but payload switched to an inert mass simulator because of potential Dream Chaser delays beyond October launch date.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
  • The aviation website One Mile at a Time reported the United jet made a sharp turn to the left instead of turning right, as it was supposed to.
    Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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