Synonym Chooser

How is the word infer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of infer are conclude, deduce, gather, and judge. While all these words mean "to arrive at a mental conclusion," infer implies arriving at a conclusion by reasoning from evidence; if the evidence is slight, the term comes close to surmise.

from that remark, I inferred that they knew each other

Where would conclude be a reasonable alternative to infer?

In some situations, the words conclude and infer are roughly equivalent. However, conclude implies arriving at a necessary inference at the end of a chain of reasoning.

concluded that only the accused could be guilty

How are the words deduce and infer related?

Deduce often adds to infer the special implication of drawing a particular inference from a generalization.

denied we could deduce anything important from human mortality

When is gather a more appropriate choice than infer?

While the synonyms gather and infer are close in meaning, gather suggests an intuitive forming of a conclusion from implications.

gathered their desire to be alone without a word

In what contexts can judge take the place of infer?

The synonyms judge and infer are sometimes interchangeable, but judge stresses a weighing of the evidence on which a conclusion is based.

judge people by their actions

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 infer Near the end of the sixth episode, Bix and Cassian embark on an operation whose provenance is principally left up to the viewer to infer. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025 For example, digital intelligence can infer customer perceptions through non-survey channels such as online interactions. Forrester, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 Whatever might be inferred from these changes, her findings are now cited in commentary about the Gospel of John and have inspired a lively debate in current scholarship. Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025 Bally and his team used JWST data to also infer that two massive young stars near the center of the Sgr C nursery are sandwiched between pairs of parallel, ropelike filaments, which likely trace the walls of cavities created by powerful stellar winds. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infer
Verb
  • Those terms derive from academic critical theory, with its emphasis on appropriation and indoctrination.
    Armond White, National Review, 16 May 2025
  • Intended for both slim and puffy outerwear, the new material prevents the conglomeration of fibers and pushes the sustainability envelope further as it is entirely crafted from recycled fibers derived from post-consumer PET bottles.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • After the sale, Lucius Elliot, the house’s head of contemporary marquee sales, indicated that provenance was a key contributor to the success of the Gladstone and Luxembourg lots.
    Robb Report, Robb Report, 18 May 2025
  • If most discussions are dominated by a few voices, or if disagreement is rare, that may indicate low psychological safety—regardless of what survey responses say.
    Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • The realtor also pulled permits to help determine a timeline of events to understand when some of the damage occurred.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • To understand what’s at stake amid the NNSA’s workforce woes, USA TODAY interviewed current and former agency officials and reviewed decades of watchdog reports, safety records and other official documents.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Jokic wasn’t the conniving villain implied by his pregame wardrobe.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
  • Pereira was seemingly addressing frustration, as the post implied he felt disrespected by not getting placement in the main event for UFC 317 this summer.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • The Court found that the IRS was correct in its decision to revoke tax-exempt status, but the case was not decided until 1983.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • For now, he’s decided attending university is the best path, but opted to spend his first year of school in Rome to deepen his spirituality.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Pollock suggests adding a mocktail garden bar, a flower bar, and mini takeaway baskets with wildflower seeds to tie the theme together in a memorable way.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
  • But others who are familiar with what the program does — and doesn’t do — suggest such claims are exaggerated or false.
    Christopher O’Donnell, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Government ministers on both sides hint the dispute could escalate to military action.
    Riazat Butt, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • In fact, Riley hinted the Heat may wait until next offseason to address a potential Herro extension.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Infer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infer. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on infer

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