guesswork

noun

guess·​work ˈges-ˌwərk How to pronounce guesswork (audio)
Synonyms of guessworknext
: work performed or results obtained by guess : conjecture

Examples of guesswork in a Sentence

Calculating the drug's long-term effects is pure guesswork.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The 6-quart capacity is large enough to accommodate servings for up to six people, and there are 28 preset cooking modes to take the guesswork out. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 Still, this involves a bit of guesswork. Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 22 Mar. 2026 Any predictions about the impact of AI on music, as with any industry, remain educated guesswork. Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2026 Lucky for us, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden runs plant trials to see what will thrive in our region — and the results can take some of the guesswork out of gardening. Mary Grace Granados special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for guesswork

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guesswork was in 1725

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Cite this Entry

“Guesswork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guesswork. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

guesswork

noun
guess·​work -ˌwərk How to pronounce guesswork (audio)
: work performed or results gotten by guessing

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