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Definitions

assume

[uh-soom] / əˈsum /
VERB
believe, take for granted
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accept conclude consider estimate expect guess infer presume speculate suspect think understand
STRONG
ascertain conjecture deduce deem divine fancy find gather hypothesize imagine judge posit postulate predicate presuppose suppose surmise theorize
WEAK
be afraid be inclined to think count upon fall for get the idea have a hunch have sneaking suspicion
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abstain disbelieve discard disregard forget ignore misunderstand neglect reject
STRONG
calculate know prove
WEAK
doubt leave let alone not believe not do not take
VERB
take, undertake
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accept acquire begin embrace take over take up
STRONG
appropriate arrogate confiscate don seize
WEAK
attend to embark upon enter upon set about take on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
complete conclude end finish reject
STRONG
give offer
WEAK
doubt leave let alone not believe not do not take
VERB
pretend
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adopt affect
STRONG
act bluff counterfeit fake feign imitate impersonate mimic pretend simulate
WEAK
put on
Antonyms
STRONG
be honest be original differ oppose reverse tell the truth
WEAK
doubt leave let alone not believe not do not take
VERB
adopt, acquire
Synonyms
STRONGEST
take over
STRONG
annex appropriate arrogate borrow commandeer confiscate expropriate grab hijack liberate preempt seize snatch swipe usurp
WEAK
clap hands on get fingers on get hands on glom onto grab hold of kipe moonlight requisition
Antonyms
STRONG
give let go offer release return
WEAK
doubt leave let alone not believe not do not take

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He urged Germany to assume a leadership role in Europe.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

While Catholic kids have usually been led to assume that the baby Jesus arrived on the wings of doves, Mary’s labor is nothing short of agonizing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

But those concerns assume this memory cycle follows historical patterns.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

National Indemnity will assume part of Tokio Marine’s portfolio through a quota share agreement.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

Only a fuller rendering will allow what was called “the interview at Weehawken” to assume its rightful place of primacy among such touted competitors as Gunfight at the O.K.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.