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estimate

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb estimate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of estimate are appraise, assess, evaluate, rate, and value. While all these words mean "to judge something with respect to its worth or significance," estimate implies a judgment, considered or casual, that precedes or takes the place of actual measuring or counting or testing out.

estimated the crowd at two hundred

Where would appraise be a reasonable alternative to estimate?

The words appraise and estimate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, appraise commonly implies the fixing by an expert of the monetary worth of a thing, but it may be used of any critical judgment.

having their house appraised

When can assess be used instead of estimate?

While the synonyms assess and estimate are close in meaning, assess implies a critical appraisal for the purpose of understanding or interpreting, or as a guide in taking action.

officials are trying to assess the damage

When might evaluate be a better fit than estimate?

While in some cases nearly identical to estimate, evaluate suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.

evaluate a student's work

How are the words rate and estimate related?

Rate adds to estimate the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values.

a highly rated restaurant

How do value and appraise relate to one another, in the sense of estimate?

Value equals appraise but without implying expertness of judgment.

a watercolor valued by the donor at $500

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 estimate
Verb
According to 2023 Census Bureau estimates, about 43.4 million Americans — 13.7% of the U.S. population age 5 and older — speak Spanish at home. Fernanda Figueroa, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025 By 2035 it’s estimated there will be more Americans aged 65 and over than 18 and younger. Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
The latest cost estimate for the Red Line, up from $770 million to $1.38 billion, includes the expense of reimbursing Charlotte for the purchases with sales tax revenue. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2025 That means the cost for a professional to come to your home and inspect your unit (anywhere from $150 to $500, Consumer Reports estimates) can pay off in the long run. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for estimate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estimate
Verb
  • The 2024 report assessed 28 out of 35 MMCF producers, representing 97.5 percent of global production capacity, according to Canopy.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 22 Jan. 2025
  • In the report, the global commission argues that the standard way of assessing obesity, by body mass index or BMI, isn’t the most accurate way of determining whether someone has it and its associated health risks.
    Korin Miller, Health, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Each city is different in size and proximity to other population centers, and not everyone calculates economic benefits the same way.
    Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025
  • For each role, the analysts calculated a composite score.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • But in the estimation of President Joe Biden’s outgoing U.S. envoy to China, those relations have stabilized during his administration after having reached their lowest point in decades.
    Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025
  • By Baseball America’s estimation, Anthony is currently the No. 1 prospect in baseball.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Sorkin’s assessment is supported by a funny scene with Bradley Whitford’s Josh Lyman.
    Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Typically performed by primary care physicians or urologists, the diagnosis of ED primarily involves a physical exam, assessment of medical history, and mental health evaluation.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • He’s never highly valued the head coach position, once saying that 500 coaches could have had Jimmy Johnson’s success.
    Saad Yousuf, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Moving away from racialized politics and toward the commonsense center should be valued by Americans of all political persuasions.
    Wenyuan Wu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The game figures to be tight, and for a while now, coach Andy Reid’s Chiefs have been winning such duels.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
  • At first, the eagles didn’t take to the nest, and eagle watchers figured the pair had begun building a new nest nearby.
    Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Both the National Review and the National Interest have published scathing appraisals of Hegseth in the past few days.
    Jane Mayer, The New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Refinances comprised about 80 percent of his appraisals.
    Grace Raynor, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The series, which includes in-depth evaluations and insight from sources on nearly 500 prospects, runs from Jan. 8 to Feb. 7.
    Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The first quarter of the New Year like performance brings evaluations and bonuses and promotion decisions.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near estimate

Cite this Entry

“Estimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estimate. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on estimate

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