Definition of arithmeticnext
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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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 arithmetic Swagel cautioned against doing arithmetic on the fly but offered some back-of-the-envelope numbers. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 Multiplying two matrices together requires a tedious amount of arithmetic. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026 The costs of starting over Even with roots to work from, however, the arithmetic of recovery is sobering. — Ghada Abdulfattah, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026 Yet although supplying air defenses is essential, protecting Ukraine’s skies cannot be the only strategy, because of simple arithmetic. — Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arithmetic
Noun
  • Tao also told me that the narrative of math as having practical importance was a half-truth, at best.
    — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Simmons, on the other hand, is a guy who changes the math immediately for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
    — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Including benefits and their share of the postseason pool, players received about 49% of revenue, according to calculations by The Captain’s Blog.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Electric vehicles, heat pumps, and weather-dependent solar and wind are adding variables that make these calculations more complicated and demand harder to predict.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Arithmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arithmetic. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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