order of magnitude

noun phrase

: a range of magnitude extending from some value to ten times that value

Examples of order of magnitude in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The design is claimed to define long-term cost and schedule targets within an order of magnitude range, reflecting uncertainties of first-of-a-kind technologies. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025 The order of magnitude may seem plausible, but the question cannot be answered exactly. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2025 At 32 billion parameters, K2 Think performs faster in math reasoning than models that are an order of magnitude larger, such as DeepSeek R1. Patrick Moorhead, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Indeed, the prompt discovery of 'Oumuamua suggests that interstellar objects may be an order of magnitude more abundant than formerly thought. Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for order of magnitude

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of order of magnitude was in 1875

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Cite this Entry

“Order of magnitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/order%20of%20magnitude. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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