assumptions

Definition of assumptionsnext
plural of assumption
as in theories
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

Relevance

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 assumptions The festive, charming and energetic North American tour of the Broadway production is packed with as much nostalgia as new characters that are doppelgangers for the original series’ heroes and villains, and who often challenge our assumptions about their infamous families. John Wenzel, Denver Post, 4 June 2026 June’s astro-weather is challenging everything from your belief systems and emotional assumptions to your communication style and daily responsibilities. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026 Under these assumptions, there would be 1 million possible passcodes. ArsTechnica, 3 June 2026 In many ways, the Western world is suffering one giant come down from the excesses of the boisterous 1990s and its many assumptions. Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026 Travel, learning, publishing, or group logistics benefit from clear roles and fewer assumptions. Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2026 Years of prior research had shown that discrimination and prejudice in the workplace hindered the performance of employees, a self-fulfilling prophecy that caused the targets of the discrimination to perform in line with the underlying assumptions. Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 2 June 2026 But Kelly argues that the forecast was built on assumptions that have already been overtaken by events — the CBO assumed tariff revenue would run at $403 billion annually and that the tax breaks in the One Big Beautiful Budget Act would expire on schedule. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 May 2026 The future-proof leader is the person disciplined enough to question their own assumptions, recognize when familiar frameworks no longer serve the moment, and understand that leadership is strengthened, not diminished, by remaining open to growth. Mary Hemphill, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assumptions
Noun
  • There are a lot of theories about Machado’s struggles.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
  • Both theories are plausible, Cooper agreed.
    Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • In a letter addressed to the Meadowbrook Master Board and obtained by the Johnson County Post, the owners explain that a notable, unnamed organization would be staying on the premises and using the restaurant spaces.
    Jenna Thompson June 2, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026
  • Although there was talk that the dinner would resume, Jiang appeared on stage about an hour later and said that it would be rescheduled, after law enforcement recommended that guests leave the premises.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • There are three primary hypotheses for how birds might sense Earth’s geomagnetic field.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026
  • If more evidence shows GLP-1 drugs are found to reduce the chance of cancer progressing, the researchers also want to figure out why and have many possible hypotheses at the moment, including the drug changing the immune system, acting directly on tumor cells and reducing inflammation.
    Victoria Forster, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • Everyone involved returned to a civil state, as activists on both sides settled down to do interviews with media, and some did the interviews right next to the activists of opposing beliefs.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
  • While menopause is undeniably biological, researchers continue exploring how social attitudes, cultural beliefs, and lived experience may influence the way symptoms are perceived and discussed.
    Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Hathaway opened up about the presumptions people have made about her to Elle.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • Ruben does little to dissuade Niall’s presumptions.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Another postulates that sleep removes waste from the brain.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The past eight months have exposed both suppositions.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • As Jackie herself once reminded John, a Kennedy has no choice but to accept that the press and public will speculate, interpret, exaggerate, and invent notions about them based on their own suppositions.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Assumptions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assumptions. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on assumptions

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster