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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

Examples 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
Today, it is estimated to be about 18.4% of GDP, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services estimates health-care spending could represent approximately 20% of U.S. GDP by 2030. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024 Some estimate that this applies to approximately two-thirds of its catalogue, or about sixty million songs. Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
The company also raised the top end of its full-year revenue guidance and expects between $1.14 billion and $1.18 billion, up from its previous estimate of between $1.11 billion and $1.16 billion. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024 One estimate states that UnitedHealthcare denied nearly 30% of claims under Mr. Thompson’s leadership, more than any other insurer. Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for estimate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estimate
Verb
  • Overall, Washington’s probe looks to assess the U.S. dependency on legacy Chinese chips in areas spanning everything from telecommunications to the electrical grid.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024
  • The Swedish Security Service assesses that Iran, as well as Russia and China, pose the greatest security threats to Sweden.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Then, that data was used to set personalized goals, calculate PowerZone metrics and recommend specific classes.
    Andrew Schultz, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • One proposal would let employers calculate overtime based on a longer stretch of time, so workers would earn 1.5 times their regular pay only after exceeding 80 hours over a two-week period.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The majority of young voters cast their vote for Kamala Harris this election cycle, but her support eroded significantly from 2020, underperforming Biden by 11 points in one exit poll’s estimation.
    Brian Barrett, WIRED, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Polls have always been a murky business, but after underestimating Trump’s strength in 2016, many poll strategists changed their methodology in an attempt to ensure accurate estimations.
    Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Additionally, implementing clear protocols for identifying, documenting and escalating risks—such as detailed risk assessment frameworks and streamlined reporting channels—ensures no critical details are overlooked.
    Anushree Jain, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Use the energy assessment on smart meters or hire a professional for an energy assessment.
    Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Organizations that highly value ERG leadership and participation will retain more high performers.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Likewise, protecting biodiversity will require major changes to an economic system that values industries such as tourism and timber more than mangroves and rainforests.
    Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But every child has to figure this out on their own for the first time.
    Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
  • But ancient bone fragments and genes are helping scientists figure that out.
    Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Set Financial Boundaries: Allocate a specific portion of your portfolio for alternative investments, keeping costs like storage, insurance, and appraisals in mind.
    Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Prices for Malibu real estate has greatly risen over recent decades, with the median sales price clocking in at $3.5 million in 2024’s third quarter, real estate appraisal firm Miller Samuel reports.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 25 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Consumers increasingly look to peers for genuine product evaluations, with 99.9% of consumers reading reviews before making an online purchase.
    Jessica Hawthorne-Castro, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • According to court documents, Dali was ordered to reside in Philadelphia under GPS monitoring, undergo a mental health evaluation and surrender any travel documents.
    Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near estimate

Cite this Entry

“Estimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estimate. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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