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 After Iglesias’ exit, Jake Cronenworth moved from second to shortstop and Arraez assumed second base, and that is where both Cronenworth and Arraez are to start Wednesday’s game against Reds left-hander Andrew Abbott. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025 For a long time, people simply followed the work of researchers in the 1970s — including Carl Sagan — who studied the worlds in our Solar System, and assumed such exo-atmospheres would have similar hazes to Saturn’s giant moon Titan. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 10 Sep. 2025 Meryl Streep played Miranda Priestly, who is assumed to be based on Wintour. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025 Right-hander Spencer Bivens assumed the bulk role, turning in his longest outing of the season by pitching 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • Nikki also shared a few candid sentiments upon accepting her award.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Over the last month, three House Democrats have sworn off contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee after accepting them in prior election cycles.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Kaivan Shroff, a 2024 delegate for Harris, said the former vice president has the right to tell the story of her campaign, as does Biden, who has conducted a few interviews and speeches since leaving office.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Cox said there was no information leading authorities to believe there was a second person involved.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Bot gets 1 point for guessing in three and 1 for beating me, so 2 points x2 = 4.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Throughout the early, character-developing scenes, the filmmaker throws in nightmarish visual and aural flourishes, leaving us guessing as to their meaning.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The challenge is to stop pretending the current tools give full control and start demanding real visibility.
    Jagadeesh Kunda, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Kelley susses out that Göring is pretending not to understand or speak English, and for a couple of scenes that gives the shrink a leg up.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The workers could be employed only by King and only for up to 10 months at a time.
    ProPublica, ProPublica, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Instead of using a single bulky lens, the camera employs a thin mask embedded with dozens of tiny lenslets, each capturing a unique perspective of the same object.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Its pace is slow — occasionally, but rarely, to its detriment — but this clearly deliberate tempo gives you the chance to shoulder the burdens of its oppressive atmosphere and settle into its many puzzles, which regularly trade logic for personal interpretation, and occasionally just vibes.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Those mandates hit women – who frequently shoulder a disproportionate share of the responsibility for kids and chores –particularly hard, especially at a time when parents are feeling pressured to commit more hours to their children.
    Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Even though those charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court, an open felony case can hurt a defendant’s chance of finding employment and housing, creating financial instability for them and their families.
    MARGARET SHREINER, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • It is presumed that Willi Castro, or Seiya Suzuki will play right field while Tucker heals.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Was he supposed to laugh at him and call him a loser?
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Reflecting on her own experience with Maddox, O’Connor said nobody educates parents on what they’re supposed to ask for.
    IndyStar, IndyStar, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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