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
With a sharp feel for political arithmetic and a slightly geeky approach to strategy, Hill-Lewis has cultivated constructive relationships with key figures in the ANC leadership, helped along by a personable, pragmatic style that plays well across party lines.
—
Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
This arithmetic explains why AI is being treated as a recession strategy rather than a moonshot.
—Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The cold arithmetic of politics suggests none of these options end well.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
That same arithmetic now applies to stylists, especially as designers increasingly pay them directly and competition for top clients intensifies.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
This arithmetic explains why AI is being treated as a recession strategy rather than a moonshot.
—Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The cold arithmetic of politics suggests none of these options end well.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
That same arithmetic now applies to stylists, especially as designers increasingly pay them directly and competition for top clients intensifies.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arithmetic
Noun
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When a credit card company agrees to forgive or reduce a cardholder's balance, something specific has shifted in the math underlying that account.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
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The decision bars introductory sociology from the state’s general-education catalog — the set of foundational courses all students must complete, regardless of major, across subjects such as math, science, humanities and social sciences.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In most states, your credit score can be part of the calculation for your insurance premium.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
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Of course, a teenager doesn’t make those calculations or consider the cost behind her searches.—
Krys Fluker,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arithmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arithmetic. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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