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
Extrapolate those trend lines, and the arithmetic becomes alarming.
—
Big Think, 4 May 2026
The arithmetic does not come close to closing a gap of this magnitude even under the most optimistic assumptions.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026
That figure is the cold arithmetic of economic gravity.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 8 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
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Big Think, 4 May 2026
The arithmetic does not come close to closing a gap of this magnitude even under the most optimistic assumptions.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026
That figure is the cold arithmetic of economic gravity.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 8 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
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arithmetic
Noun
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Now, if someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo is added, that would change that math.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 May 2026
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Or, if your Social Security funds are mixed with other income in the same account, the math becomes more complicated, and these protections may not cover the full balance.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Creative decisions will be replaced with financial calculations designed to maximize short-term cash generation rather than long-term franchise-building or artistic quality.—
Joseph M. Singer,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
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Those patient deaths, which involve an external hospice agency but occur at MGB hospitals, aren’t officially counted in the mortality calculation.—
Jessica Bartlett — Boston Globe,
STAT,
21 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arithmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arithmetic. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
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