as in math
the act or process of performing mathematical operations to find a value
I haven't actually done the arithmetic yet, but I suspect we're losing money on the deal
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Recent Examples of arithmetic
No self-pity in those four words, no performance of stoicism either—just the clean arithmetic of a life lived at full speed.
—
Outside, 10 Feb. 2026
With a sharp feel for political arithmetic and a slightly geeky approach to strategy, Hill-Lewis has cultivated constructive relationships with key figures in the ANC leadership, helped along by a personable, pragmatic style that plays well across party lines.
—Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
This arithmetic explains why AI is being treated as a recession strategy rather than a moonshot.
—Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
That same arithmetic now applies to stylists, especially as designers increasingly pay them directly and competition for top clients intensifies.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Outside, 10 Feb. 2026
With a sharp feel for political arithmetic and a slightly geeky approach to strategy, Hill-Lewis has cultivated constructive relationships with key figures in the ANC leadership, helped along by a personable, pragmatic style that plays well across party lines.
—Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
This arithmetic explains why AI is being treated as a recession strategy rather than a moonshot.
—Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
That same arithmetic now applies to stylists, especially as designers increasingly pay them directly and competition for top clients intensifies.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arithmetic
Noun
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Your numbers will differ, but the math works in the same direction for almost every worker.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
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The Crown Point High graduate returned to teach math for 10 years at Crown Point High School.—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Among those measures was a proposal requiring any ballot measure establishing a fee to undergo a thorough analysis and calculation as to the fee amount before it is presented to voters.—
Jan Goldsmith,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
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Understanding the nuances of these calculations is complex.—
William Jones,
Sacbee.com,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arithmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arithmetic. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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