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Definitions

surmise

[ser-mahyz, ser-mahyz, sur-mahyz] / sərˈmaɪz, sərˈmaɪz, ˈsɜr maɪz /
NOUN
guess, conclusion
Synonyms
STRONG
assumption attempt conjecture deduction guesstimate guesswork hunch hypothesis idea inference notion opinion possibility presumption speculation supposition suspicion theory thought
WEAK
sneaking suspicion
Antonyms
STRONG
certainty fact information knowledge proof reality truth
WEAK
calculation measurement
VERB
come to a conclusion
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deduce hypothesize infer opine presume pretend speculate theorize
STRONG
assume conclude conjecture consider fancy guess guesstimate imagine regard suppose suspect think
WEAK
hazard a guess risk assuming take a shot take a stab venture a guess
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abstain
STRONG
calculate disbelieve disregard forget ignore know leave measure neglect
WEAK
question wonder

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.

When I surmise that the printed version of our conversation may have a lot of “redacted, redacted, redacted,” Peaches is quick to respond.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

But if you showed the average Chicagoan the evidence now in the public domain, most would likely surmise that Mr. Homan took a bribe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 9, 2025

Shoehorning these random digressions into the film without any additional context to surmise their meaning just feels like Perkins is doing weird for weirdness’ sake.

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2025

In this eerie, rather primitive context, its easy to surmise that the murderess is a witch.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2024

“Yes. That did strike me as a bit odd. I can’t quite surmise why she was there.”

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein