arithmetic

noun

ə-ˈrith-mə-ˌtik How to pronounce arithmetic (audio)
Definition of arithmeticnext
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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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 arithmetic But Lynch, 62, said the decision was driven less by nostalgia than by arithmetic. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026 There is also some fairly straightforward arithmetic behind the expansion even in a difficult art market, which has seen galleries reduce their footprints or close altogether. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 9 Sep. 2026 And that's where complicated German coalition arithmetic comes into play. — Anna Noryskiewicz, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026 The arithmetic may be possible depending on the dates and figures used. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arithmetic
  1. math
  2. calculation
Noun
  • No, the Unabomber, a onetime math genius and professor named Ted Kaczynski, was basically a hermit nerd in a Montana cabin who mailed bombs to scientists, engineers, professors, and other elites.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • So, when more than 3,000 of their professors — mostly math and science teachers — recently signed a letter calling for the return of the SAT, everyone took notice.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of math
Noun
  • And the cosmic radiation that Earth’s atmosphere filters out can scramble calculations, forcing systems to catch and correct errors on the fly.
    — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Per the center’s calculations, a family of four buying a home in Madera County would have to earn no more than $166,800 a year, while a family in Santa Clara County could earn up to $375,800 a year and still qualify.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of calculation

Browse Nearby Words

aristocrats
arithmetic
arithmetic mean
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Cite this Entry

“Arithmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arithmetic. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on arithmetic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arithmetic

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