assume

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb assume contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assume are affect, counterfeit, feign, pretend, sham, and simulate. While all these words mean "to put on a false or deceptive appearance," assume often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive.

assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients

When would affect be a good substitute for assume?

The words affect and assume are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, affect implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling.

affected an interest in art

In what contexts can counterfeit take the place of assume?

In some situations, the words counterfeit and assume are roughly equivalent. However, counterfeit implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words.

an actor counterfeiting drunkenness

How does the word feign relate to other synonyms for assume?

Feign implies more artful invention than pretend, less specific mimicry than simulate.

feigned sickness

When is it sensible to use pretend instead of assume?

While in some cases nearly identical to assume, pretend implies an overt and sustained false appearance.

pretended that nothing had happened

When is sham a more appropriate choice than assume?

The words sham and assume can be used in similar contexts, but sham implies an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible.

shammed a most unconvincing limp

When might simulate be a better fit than assume?

The synonyms simulate and assume are sometimes interchangeable, but simulate suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something.

cosmetics that simulate a suntan

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 assume Scientists have long assumed that, under these extreme conditions, the raw materials involved in the formation of worlds — gas, ice, rock and a mix of metals — don't really interact much with one another. Victoria Corless, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2025 These ratios assume stable 2025 EPS consensus expectations. Gurufocus, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 That forecast assumes tariffs go up by 15 percentage points — a huge number, but still short of the 20 percentage-point increase that's in place as of Wednesday. Felix Salmon, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025 Leading politicians assumed that the defeat of the amendment would likely kill the income tax for years, if not a generation. Jesse Eisinger, ProPublica, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • Ja-young not only realizes what’s going on but accepts her grandson’s decision, becoming a reluctant ally in the charade.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
  • To pay off the debt, Quinn accepts an invitation from her old mentor, Katherine (Kate Burton), to serve as a pianist at the New York Philharmonic.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The once-daily version of the pill was in early-stage testing, with researchers trying to figure out the best dose for patients, a spokeswoman said.
    Time, Time, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Authorities with State Police Troop C in Gray, Louisiana, said Lacy fled the scene of the accident without calling for help.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Wearing a dress with a print that includes white can often leave people guessing.
    Maria Ward, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • After a clue brought via a time machine (what else?), guesses for Yorkie included Lori Loughlin (Thicke), Kyle Richards (Jeong), and Erika Jayne (McCarthy-Wahlberg).
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Read: America is done pretending about meat All of this social-media attention has been translating into people’s actual eating habits, Victoria Fitzgerald, who oversees Whole Foods Market’s meat merchandising, told me.
    Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
  • One such channel, Truthful Mykolaiv, pretends to be local but pushes Kremlin narratives.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • According to the current budget, the City Attorney’s Office employs just under 425 people and will spend $85 million this year.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Individuals employed by the government in jobs which were not covered by Social Security previously could not collect Social Security upon retirement because of the offset of their public pension against Social Security to prevent a windfall.
    Wendy Hickey, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And families now shoulder 48% of college expenses with their income and investments, up from 38% a decade ago, according to a report by J.P. Morgan Asset Management.
    Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
  • That’s not the case when Amelia shoulders the narrative.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While the prosecution has the burden to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, the defendant has the right to be presumed innocent and have their day in court.
    Jordan Wright, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The Pretrial Fairness Act, which took effect in September 2023 and ended the use of money bond in Illinois, recognizes the foundational principle that every person is presumed innocent until they are proven guilty.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After all, a true pal should be all about growing and winning together—and there’s no place for an ugly rivalry when you’re supposed to be on the same team.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And what is she supposed to do, take a bullet for them?
    Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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