surmise 1 of 2

noun

sər-ˈmīz How to pronounce surmise (audio)
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

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surmise

2 of 2

verb

sər-ˈmīz How to pronounce surmise (audio)
as in to guess
to form an opinion from little or no evidence we surmised that she had purchased the apple pie since there was a bakery box on the kitchen counter

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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
Mulkey’s colleagues and players who have competed with and against her through her 24 years as a head coach surmise that her success isn’t just about her ability to recruit (now an expert at mining the transfer portal too), develop players or strategize. — Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 There's likely more to this Redditor's story (as surmised by some of her responses in the comments), and at the very least, there could've been some resentment behind her choice. — Devonne Goode, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surmise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surmise
  1. guess
  2. assume
  3. suppose
  4. presume
Noun
  • My guess is that in this moment in history, people will suddenly find themselves a lot more sympathetic to someone who just wants to live their life while all this crazy stuff is happening in the world.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
  • So, my guess is, despite significant opposition in his government, Netanyahu will let in enough aid to alleviate the immediate crisis.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of guess
Verb
  • Many professionals enter the tech space assuming their success in structured environments will seamlessly translate into building and scaling a startup, guaranteed.
    — Lola Eniolorunda, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Elliott was first reported to have assumed a position in the oil and gas company back in February, driving a share rally amid expectations that its involvement could pressure BP to shift gears from its green strategy and back toward its core oil and gas businesses.
    — Ruxandra Iordache,Sam Meredith, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of assume
Verb
  • The stay in the beach house was supposed to clear their heads, and Joe wasn’t supposed to show up.
    — Sara Netzley, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In simple terms, prompt injection is a way for attackers to trick an AI into doing something it wasn’t supposed to.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of suppose
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
Definition of presume

Browse Nearby Words

surly
surmise
surmised
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Cite this Entry

“Surmise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surmise. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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