List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 81

SYNONYMS: conjecture, surmise, guess, speculate, infer.
These verbs mean to reach a conclusion or judgment on the basis of uncertain evidence.

Conjecture implies the formation of a conclusion without sufficient evidence: It was impossible to conjecture from the expression on his face what his reaction was.
Surmise suggests a conclusion reached by intuition or by interpretation of slender evidence: He was afraid she might surmise the truth.
Guess implies an inference drawn in a haphazard manner and suggests substantial grounds for doubt: We can guess what will happen next.
Speculate stresses a process of reasoning based on inconclusive evidence: Scientists speculate on the origin of the universe.
Infer involves reasoning from evidence about which some doubt may be but is not necessarily suggested: She quickly inferred from what I said that I had not heard the news.