estimate 1 of 2

Definition of estimatenext

estimate

2 of 2

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

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 estimate
Verb
Club sources, speaking anonymously as they were not authorised to do so, have told The Athletic that the net debt is estimated around €90million, and this amount would need to be deducted from the final price. Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 12 May 2026 Experts estimate about 10 million metric tons of sargassum are floating in the Atlantic, now covering South Florida beaches. Bri Buckley, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Noun
The Encinitas City Council voted 4-1 Wednesday to ask city staff to fine-tune its recent cost estimate for the project. Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026 Those ratings create an estimate of how many goals each team is expected to score and allow in a game against an average opponent at a neutral site. Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for estimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estimate
Verb
  • When concerning online activity is flagged by the system, schools follow established processes to assess the situation, provide appropriate support, and involve families.
    Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 14 May 2026
  • On the other, some homes were assessed only for soot and ash.
    Aarne Heikkila, NBC news, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The researchers calculated that cement made from silicate rocks could require less than 60 percent of the energy needed to process limestone while cutting associated carbon dioxide emissions by more than 80 percent.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
  • These numbers are used to calculate your biological age, and to inform what kind of exercise and nutrition changes might help improve any markers that are out of range.
    Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • There were obscure picks, in his frank estimation, that were actually brilliant heists, and college stars whose selections were actually costly blunders.
    Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • The two tax measures could generate more than $1 billion the first year of implementation, according to the governor’s estimation.
    Trân Nguyễn, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • When a team drafted some linebacker from Appalachian State in the fifth round, Kiper could offer a torrent of assessment.
    Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • The study’s scope includes an optional component — triggered only if the initial assessment warrants it — that would produce a conceptual design and site plan for a potential eastern substation, including cost estimates.
    Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Many factors go into how a player is valued.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • Online fast-fashion retailer Shein is said to be acquiring Everlane, the apparel brand known for its sustainability ethos, in a deal valuing the company at $100 million, according to information shared by Reuters.
    Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Here are some ways to figure that out using examples from the classic fairy tale Cinderella.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • The cities that figure this out will not just recover from the disruptions of the past five years.
    Chase Garbarino, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Sellers may additionally be assuaged by having greater certainty a deal will actually go through, which is why limiting or waiving contingencies, such as for a home inspection or appraisal, can boost your odds.
    Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 8 May 2026
  • Be ready to address appraisal gaps.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • The optics—underclad, mostly Black young men having their hands and limbs measured to the eighth of an inch, then paraded for physical evaluation—have reliably drawn comparisons to slave markets.
    Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • Patients with significant hearing loss may still need hearing evaluations, custom fittings, and adjustments from licensed providers.
    Matthew Kayser, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Estimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estimate. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on estimate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster