ASSUME Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

assume

verb

ə-ˈsüm

Definition of assume

as in to accept

to take to or upon oneself we promised to assume responsibility for any damage to the flower beds caused by the volleyball game in the backyard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to say

to take as true or as a fact without actual proof everyone assumed, wrongly, that someone else was bringing dessert

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to guess

to form an opinion from little or no evidence as I just assumed it was too late to go out, I didn't think to ask

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to pretend

to present a false appearance of she assumed an air of nonchalance even though she was wildly ecstatic she was going on the date

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to employ

to provide with a paying job assumed as partner by the prestigious law firm

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The study, which assumed a buy-and-hold strategy, likely underestimated the tax burden for most investors. — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 People often assume that having this option means someone wants to use it right away. — Dr. Jeremy Boal, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026 The 38-year-old photographer from Colchester, Essex — who has worn daily contact lenses for more than two decades — at first assumed his eye was irritated by sand and saltwater from surfing, per Kennedy News and Media. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026 When researching private student loans, assume rates will change over time. — Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assume

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assume

Verb

Nguyen Thi Quynh Tam, 24, said she was raped on July 5 and pressured by the man's family to accept money and not go to police.

— CBS News, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
After rigorous vetting, companies accepted into the Program will be authorized to conduct two types of cyber operations under the contract and direction of the Departments of Justice or Homeland Security.

— Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of accept

Verb

But the federal agency that has required companies to collect and report demographic workforce data since 1966 is now working to end that practice, a move some critics say would be a huge blow to civil rights enforcement.

— Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Ferndale school officials say high school students gained experience through drone filming crews, race-day event management and supervised flight projects.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of say

Verb

Trust grows when transformation is communicated clearly instead of left for others to guess.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Aug. 2026
Their performances keep the audience guessing about both characters until Holloway finally brings the pieces together in a tremendously satisfying finale.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of guess

Verb

Even if a job listing is not a scam, a company may post a role while planning to hire internally or recruiting someone already employed elsewhere.

— Rachel Barber, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Nearly a decade later, the populist movement has become strong, emboldened to employ an increasingly aggressive narrative towards the immigrant community in the region, especially Muslims.

— Vasco Cotovio, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of employ

Verb

There are also fears the plan may spark a lawsuit as tensions between the states over who shoulders the cuts bubble over.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Summary France's global influence is eroding as the US shifts its geostrategy, expecting allies to shoulder more regional security.

— Kamran Bokhari, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of shoulder

Verb

What’s most difficult about this is the notion it was never supposed to be this way.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
But the express option is not supposed to be a CTA competitor, the Flyer team said, pitching the train as a ride centered around the needs of air travelers, including luggage racks and even the option to check baggage to their final destination.

— Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of suppose

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assumably

assume

assumed

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Style

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assume. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of assume

verb

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Synonyms of assume

verb

Synonym Chooser

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