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
Upon entering the house, Donnie surmises there is an orgy-type party going on. Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 In 1991, Cabrera surmised David was David LaMarr. Graham Womack updated January 15, Sacbee.com, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surmise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surmise
Noun
  • My guess is that my butter wasn't evenly distributed in the dough.
    Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Not far from Corsair, Nashville also boasts an absinthe-only bar called … take a guess.
    David Cook, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Minear replies coyly when asked a question that assumes Dixie and Buck went home together.
    Patrick Gomez, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The scientific community long assumed that to understand how lightning works, one needed a massive storm cloud.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • After all, isn’t your cleanser supposed to remove oil from your face—not add more to the equation?
    Grace McCarty, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Govan watched as the budget ballooned, and what was initially supposed to be a $650 million building became a $720 million albatross.
    Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Her costume and hair shows how Linda is restricted by her times, presumed as being subordinate to her husband.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Both species had previously been presumed to have vanished thousands of years ago, known to science only through ancient remains pulled from the earth.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Surmise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surmise. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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