surmise 1 of 2

Definition of surmisenext
as in guess
an opinion or judgment based on little or no evidence my surmise is that the couple's "good news" is the announcement that they are going to have a baby

Synonyms & Similar Words

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surmise

2 of 2

verb

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 surmise
Noun
One surmise is that the syndrome is caused by residual viral debris that continues to activate and/or exhaust the immune system. Melissa Healystaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2022 Instead, Rodrigues and Ohlrogge surmise, the glut of retail investors are probably not showing up for the vote. Scott Nover, Quartz, 7 Sep. 2022
Verb
The scientists surmised that the four-cheese pizza may provide more attractive chemical cues or be easier to digest. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025 And if people want to surmise that, great. Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surmise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surmise
Noun
  • How this will work in practice on the night if a number of these shows get above 90% is anyone’s guess.
    Peter White, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Boone is an exaggerated example of this but my guess is most people can find themselves in him, albeit muted.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • While diners may assume higher tips are expected at dinner, most servers don't expect a higher percentage, just a higher total, Sheik said.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • In fiscal 2025, Starbucks’ international margins were 13%; assuming the joint venture is formed, the company expects that margins will rise to the high teens, according to Brady Brewer, CEO of Starbucks International.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Finance professors rarely research NFL officiating, but the authors’ interest in regulatory capture—when regulators are corrupted by the entities they’re supposed to be regulating—led them to a trove of useful data.
    Emil Steiner, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • 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 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • No one from the incident was transported to the hospital, and all on the flight are presumed to be deceased.
    Alex Nitzberg , Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Investigators say Potupchik was walking on the road when an unknown person, presumed to be Bosquez, pulled past him and fired multiple rounds.
    Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Surmise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surmise. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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