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
Nothing flusters her except dogs barking, and as the story unfolds the reason is easily surmised. Mary Damiano, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2026 Upon entering the house, Donnie surmises there is an orgy-type party going on. Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surmise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surmise
Noun
  • Until the strikes stop and the aftermath becomes clearer, every analysis remains little more than an underinformed guess.
    Jason Rezaian, New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2026
  • The firm also points to AI scenario planning models to track key metrics in real time, and autogenerate scenarios based on real data, not just guesses.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Gentry has served Charlotte since 1991 and assumed official leadership of the airport in 2021.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
  • As explained by the bank earlier in the week, its commodities strategists expect Brent crude to average $105 in March, spike to $115 in April, and then gradually retreat to $80 in the fourth quarter, assuming flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain severely disrupted for roughly six weeks.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The memo also outlined instances where Pujoe had tried to bring a student to a downstate athletic competition and attempted to get students hotel rooms for competitions they were not supposed to attend.
    Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
  • That slice of revenue earned by the volunteers is supposed to go directly to the charity, while the volunteers and leaders of the nonprofits are not supposed to be paid.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In September 1879, the girl died of viral encephalitis — presumed to have been transmitted by a mosquito — just weeks before her 13th birthday.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Senior European officials fear the economic and political implications of the conflict are likely to prove far worse than initially presumed, according to Mujtaba Rahman, managing director of Europe at Eurasia Group.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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