Definition of assumptionnext
1
as in theory
something taken as being true or factual and used as a starting point for a course of action or reasoning the widespread assumption that violent entertainment leads to violent behavior in children your argument is faulty because it's based on erroneous assumptions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 assumption The wide range reflects differing scopes of work and borrowing assumptions. Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026 Let the words land and breathe without your assumptions covering them. Adam Dietz, Big Think, 24 Feb. 2026 The logical assumption here would be that a cooperative mode was discussed at some point. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 24 Feb. 2026 But his underlying stats do nothing to support that assumption. Al Melchior, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assumption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assumption
Noun
  • Over the past decade, scholars have increasingly mapped postcolonial theory onto post-Soviet contexts, treating Russian imperial expansion as analogous to Western colonialism.
    Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
  • This is not an abstract theory.
    Ajaypal Banga, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Iranians approached the diplomacy with arrogance, which – with absolute hubris.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026
  • The arrogance seen in 2010 is now also on display in how Lawson-Remer is making the case for weakening term limits as part of broader changes that would give the board’s Democratic majority (and its union allies) even more clout.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This preemptive legislation is an effort to protect our democracy and in line with existing voting rights laws built on the premise that the right to vote must be both defended and protected.
    Kica Matos, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Even the very premise of the show Portobello reflects the transactional, exchange-and-mart nature of Italy’s legal system at the time, which now seems as theatrical and performative as its World Cup soccer team.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Those who suffer shame as children often cover it up with a false superiority.
    Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The physical superiority of lions over humans has been demonstrated throughout human history—the Romans even exploited it for entertainment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • So, one hypothesis would be that your friend’s toddler got sick, and those invaders killed off a lot of his beneficial gut microbes.
    Adam Cohen, Oklahoman, 17 Feb. 2026
  • However, instead of being a dead end for the Chrysalis hypothesis, the simulations opened another door, and the key was another moon of Saturn, Hyperion, which orbits just beyond Titan.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This simply involves a little accommodation, a friendly attitude and cooperation.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The mom credited the school with helping her son go from struggling academically to making honor roll — twice — and changing his attitude about school in general after the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The analysis, which included 55 studies encompassing more than a half-million people, found that those who had a spiritual belief or religious practice were less likely to have a harmful relationship with alcohol, drugs or cigarettes.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Ismailova’s dreamlike narrative vividly conveys an interconnected human-forest assemblage, rooted in local beliefs, intergenerational stewardship, and foraging practices increasingly strained by the climate crisis and global economic pressures.
    Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Pham said two Louvre employees questioned in the case have been told not to return to their jobs during the investigation, while also underscoring their presumption of innocence until the investigation and proceedings are completed.
    Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Federal registration of a mark provides an exclusive right to use those marks and a presumption of ownership.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Assumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assumption. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

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