Synonym Chooser

How is the word infer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of infer are conclude, deduce, gather, and judge. While all these words mean "to arrive at a mental conclusion," infer implies arriving at a conclusion by reasoning from evidence; if the evidence is slight, the term comes close to surmise.

from that remark, I inferred that they knew each other

Where would conclude be a reasonable alternative to infer?

In some situations, the words conclude and infer are roughly equivalent. However, conclude implies arriving at a necessary inference at the end of a chain of reasoning.

concluded that only the accused could be guilty

How are the words deduce and infer related?

Deduce often adds to infer the special implication of drawing a particular inference from a generalization.

denied we could deduce anything important from human mortality

When is gather a more appropriate choice than infer?

While the synonyms gather and infer are close in meaning, gather suggests an intuitive forming of a conclusion from implications.

gathered their desire to be alone without a word

In what contexts can judge take the place of infer?

The synonyms judge and infer are sometimes interchangeable, but judge stresses a weighing of the evidence on which a conclusion is based.

judge people by their actions

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 infer Range contraction of the Yangtze finless porpoise inferred from classic Chinese poems A graduate of UW-Whitewater, Monica Cull wrote for several organizations, including one that focused on bees and the natural world, before coming to Discover Magazine. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 5 May 2025 Gravitational lensing is the best way to infer the presence of incredibly distant objects and measure their mass. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 By analyzing the colors and structures within the dust cocoons, scientists infer the composition, density and temperature of the gas and dust — crucial insights into the conditions necessary for stars to ignite. 5. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Near the end of the sixth episode, Bix and Cassian embark on an operation whose provenance is principally left up to the viewer to infer. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infer
Verb
  • Those terms derive from academic critical theory, with its emphasis on appropriation and indoctrination.
    Armond White, National Review, 16 May 2025
  • Intended for both slim and puffy outerwear, the new material prevents the conglomeration of fibers and pushes the sustainability envelope further as it is entirely crafted from recycled fibers derived from post-consumer PET bottles.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • In previous years, rent also rose faster in these areas compared with the rest of the county, but the gap grew post-fires, which experts said indicates the fires are the likely cause.
    Phi Do, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
  • Despite some reports indicating otherwise, the 28-year-old Bieber, who is married to singer Justin Bieber, almost certainly won’t become a billionaire from the deal, which is structured to pay out $600 million in cash and $200 million in e.l.f.
    Jemima McEvoy, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Both Wong and Barratt understand the assignments here.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2025
  • This includes understanding existing skills, power structures, decision-making processes, and how change has been received historically.
    Andrew Mawson, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Unlike his small-time Israeli rivals, the placards implied, Netanyahu was a savvy statesman who punched above his weight on the international stage, thanks to his unaccented English oratory and ability to inveigle the world’s most powerful people.
    Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025
  • The band sued Brinker International, the parent company of Chili’s Grill & Bar, last July, alleging that the use of the Ill Communication song falsely implied that Beastie Boys endorsed Chili’s.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Across the 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) frontline, according to analysts, the Ukrainian military has to decide which areas are under greatest threat, where to withdraw, how to redeploy – even as many brigades are seriously under-strength more than three years after the Russian invasion.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
  • In a thousand-year-old sport where a split second can decide everything, two months will probably feel like an eternity.
    Matt Moret, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • The 4% rule prompts many financial planners to suggest Americans should aim to save $1 million for retirement.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 29 May 2025
  • Reports suggested that Daltrey was unhappy with Starkey’s playing on the night, and a number of songs were cut short.
    Thomas Smith, Billboard, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • The disparate responses from voters in all three countries -- and the lack of any decisive victory for any one party or candidate in Portugal or Poland -- hint that the political polarization that has roiled the U.S. over the past decade is a global trend, not merely an American one.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 21 May 2025
  • The only good news for Miami fans was that coach Javier Mascherano hinted in his pregame interview that Messi could be signing a contract extension in the coming weeks.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Infer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infer. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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