Definition of evaluatenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb evaluate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of evaluate are appraise, assess, estimate, rate, and value. While all these words mean "to judge something with respect to its worth or significance," evaluate suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.

evaluate a student's work

When could appraise be used to replace evaluate?

The synonyms appraise and evaluate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Where would assess be a reasonable alternative to evaluate?

The words assess and evaluate can be used in similar contexts, but 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

In what contexts can estimate take the place of evaluate?

The words estimate and evaluate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

How are the words rate and estimate related as synonyms of evaluate?

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 evaluate?

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 evaluate She was taken to a hospital to be evaluated. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 28 May 2026 Companies for years have evaluated potential candidates with regimented tests that some say have felt like taking the SATs, but for coding. Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 28 May 2026 One worth seeking out is the B Corp certification, which evaluates companies’ social and environmental performance. ABC News, 28 May 2026 Doctors who evaluate claims get paid whether the claim is approved or not. Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for evaluate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evaluate
Verb
  • He’s being assessed for a calf strain.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Farmers across South Jersey are assessing major crop losses after a devastating cold snap last month wiped out large portions of their fruit harvests.
    Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • In Dnipro, the death toll was estimated to be 16, with over 40 people sustaining injuries, said regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha.
    Tiago Ventura, Time, 2 June 2026
  • Authorities estimate the passageway extended roughly 1,933 feet, reaching depths of about 55 feet underground and standing as tall as 4½ feet in some sections.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • The crowd skews more towards families with young children, multi-gen ski trips, and groups who value a spot by the fireplace more than being the first person on the gondola each morning.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The following year, the sale of a stake in the club’s Barca Studios media arm — which the club originally valued at €1billion but is now officially worth much less — helped add Ilkay Gundogan to the squad.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Evaluate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evaluate. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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