suppose

verb

sup·​pose sə-ˈpōz How to pronounce suppose (audio)
usually after "I" ˈspōz
supposed; supposing
Synonyms of suppose

transitive verb

1
a
: to lay down tentatively as a hypothesis, assumption, or proposal
suppose a fire broke out
suppose you bring the salad
b(1)
: to hold as an opinion : believe
they supposed they were early
(2)
: to think probable or in keeping with the facts
seems reasonable to suppose that he would profit
2
a
: conceive, imagine
b
: to have a suspicion of
3
: presuppose

intransitive verb

: conjecture, opine

Synonyms of suppose

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Examples of suppose in a Sentence

Suppose a fire broke out. How would we escape? Just suppose for a moment that you agreed with me. Supposing he refuses to help, what do we do then? The renovations will cost much more than we originally supposed.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Castillo said landlords are also supposed to be registering their rental properties with the city. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Only one person in this friend group is knowingly connected to a violent cult, so are we supposed to view him as a potential suspect? — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026 The couple, who met at a laundromat on Parton’s first day in Nashville in 1964 and eloped two years later on May 30, 1966, were originally supposed to have a much bigger ceremony. — Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 Grip has helped execute more than 30 search warrants this year, but she wasn't supposed to help law enforcement at all. — Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suppose

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French supposer, from Medieval Latin supponere (perfect indicative supposui), from Latin, to put under, substitute, from sub- + ponere to put — more at position

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of suppose was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing suppose

Rhymes for suppose

See All Rhymes for suppose

Browse Nearby Words

supposal
suppose
supposed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suppose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suppose. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

suppose

verb
sup·​pose sə-ˈpōz How to pronounce suppose (audio)
supposed; supposing
1
: to take as true or as a fact for the sake of argument
suppose a fire should break out
2
: to hold as an opinion : believe
they supposed they were on the right bus
3
: to come to a conclusion arrived at by guessing
who do you suppose will win
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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