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assume

Definition of assumenext
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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 Tuominen, who is the current Chairman of the Board, will continue as a Board Member and assume responsibility for the company’s investor relations, marketing, and communications. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026 Shortly after assuming power in 1999, Chávez’s government began supplying oil on favorable terms to Cuba in exchange for doctors and, eventually, the training of Venezuela’s security forces. Joseph J. Gonzalez, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026 The area was badly burned, but still Simpson noticed green sprouts peeking out of the ashy soil and from the branches of trees that the average passerby might assume were dead. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026 For instance, in the first season, most people in Hawkins assume Joyce Byers (played by Winona Ryder) is crazy with grief over the disappearance of her son. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume
Verb
  • The restaurant is busy preparing for a big night of food and drinks, and is no longer accepting reservations due to high demand, instead going with a first-come-first-served policy.
    Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Unlike conventional recycling systems, the process accepts mixed plastic waste.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In Kyiv, a CNN reporter said that the attack began around midnight, starting with multiple drone strikes on residential buildings.
    Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Due to cold temperatures, emergency medical services were contacted to evaluate her, authorities said.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Instead of guessing what to try first, Basin set me up for success from the start and offered me an overview of each treatment and the benefit of a thermotherapy circuit.
    Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Also, there’s value in keeping people guessing.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • To pretend as if everyone doesn’t recognize him.
    Mirin Fader, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Parents reported that their children loved playing with the original Nékojita FuFu, pretending to fan their faces and blow-dry their hair.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The following three entries on the international top 5 liberally employ animation in their respective mise-en-scènes, but wouldn't qualify at the Golden Globes in the Best Animated Film category.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
  • If available, employ your fog lights.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Doncic had to shoulder the ball-handling load almost exclusively Wednesday without James and Reaves, who is sidelined until at least the end of the month because of a calf injury.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
  • At 35, he’s being asked to shoulder one of the heftiest workloads of his career to pick up the slack for injured teammates Jalen Smith and Zach Collins.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • All these are fears that most would’ve presumed, but now exhibitors are finally going public with their fears.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Intelligence analysts, friend and enemy alike, do not have the luxury to presume that the American commander in chief is just having a bad night.
    Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But are we not supposed to draft those guys?
    Michael Salfino, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • We’re all supposed to be embarrassed by prizes or feel above them or apart from them.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on assume

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