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
The arithmetic of global accounts guarantees it.
—
Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 17 Nov. 2025
Excess Burghers became a fixture of imperial life, the answer to a chronic social problem, the unfortunate result of simple arithmetic.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Simple arithmetic such as 355/113 could be calculated in place by selecting the text and pressing USE FRONT-CALC (Control-G), which yields the answer with a dotted underline to indicate the result of a computation.
—Cameron Kaiser, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
The arithmetic of the French National Assembly – the key hurdle to getting any budget passed – hasn’t changed with a new prime minister.
—Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 17 Nov. 2025
Excess Burghers became a fixture of imperial life, the answer to a chronic social problem, the unfortunate result of simple arithmetic.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Simple arithmetic such as 355/113 could be calculated in place by selecting the text and pressing USE FRONT-CALC (Control-G), which yields the answer with a dotted underline to indicate the result of a computation.
—Cameron Kaiser, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
The arithmetic of the French National Assembly – the key hurdle to getting any budget passed – hasn’t changed with a new prime minister.
—Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arithmetic
Noun
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The learning losses revealed in that report, September’s National Assessment of Educational Progress, show that vast numbers of high school seniors don’t even meet the most basic thresholds in reading or math.—
Mary Ellen Klas,
Twin Cities,
11 Jan. 2026
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Reading and math scores Samuels said his priority is to address the city's enrollment problem, with a focus on bringing high-quality schools to every neighborhood.—
Marcia Kramer,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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However, calculations on the fallout from atmospheric detonations forced scientists to rethink this.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
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The calculation for state coffers is 18% of the gross wagering revenue.—
Center Square,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arithmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arithmetic. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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