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 modular form’s numbers only had to be equivalent in the realm of what’s known as clock arithmetic.
—
Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 2 June 2025
That's the arithmetic that prompted Moody's to cut its rating on U.S. debt, from its top rating of Aaa to Aa1.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 19 May 2025
So doing the work is the arithmetic, and AI is the algebra, intelligence leverages are the calculus.
—John Werner, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
But the real story isn’t about disappointing arithmetic.
—Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 2 June 2025
That's the arithmetic that prompted Moody's to cut its rating on U.S. debt, from its top rating of Aaa to Aa1.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 19 May 2025
So doing the work is the arithmetic, and AI is the algebra, intelligence leverages are the calculus.
—John Werner, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
But the real story isn’t about disappointing arithmetic.
—Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arithmetic
Noun
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By middle school, the chatbot—now a boy-band singer—might help with math homework and give advice on how to talk to a crush.—
Lila Shroff,
The Atlantic,
14 July 2025
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According to Smoke’s math, the average annual tax savings is smaller than a single month’s loan payment for a new vehicle.—
Danny Bakst,
Fortune,
13 July 2025
Noun
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The Suns' calculation with Beal was somewhat different than the Bucks' with Lillard.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
17 July 2025
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Brookshire’s grade took the biggest hit because the percentage of its lowest-performing students making those gains — part of the school grade calculation — plummeted.—
Zoey Thomas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arithmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arithmetic. Accessed 28 Jul. 2025.
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