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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of arithmetic
And the cruel arithmetic of the AI moment means the technology eroding one workforce is depending on another workforce that America has spent decades failing to build.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
So drivers are now doing constant frantic mental arithmetic about when to deploy extra energy to go faster and when to recharge — at 200 mph, in traffic.
—Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
What sounds like bad arithmetic is correct politics.
—Josef Joffe, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
No self-pity in those four words, no performance of stoicism either—just the clean arithmetic of a life lived at full speed.
—Outside, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
So drivers are now doing constant frantic mental arithmetic about when to deploy extra energy to go faster and when to recharge — at 200 mph, in traffic.
—Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
What sounds like bad arithmetic is correct politics.
—Josef Joffe, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
No self-pity in those four words, no performance of stoicism either—just the clean arithmetic of a life lived at full speed.
—Outside, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arithmetic
Noun
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Less than half can read, write or do math at grade level.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
How to decide The lifestyle question often matters as much as the math.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
Noun
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The city also hasn’t released a calculation of how many new units would be required if SB 79 ends up affecting 52 bus stops instead of four.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
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The broader geopolitical calculation remains clear.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arithmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arithmetic. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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