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 arithmetic of loss never makes sense to me—who stays, who goes, and when.
—
Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
Of course, every child should learn how to write essays and do basic arithmetic.
—Niral Shah, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
These aren’t abstract trends—they’re the daily arithmetic that forecloses upward mobility for tens of millions of Americans.
—Bobby Turner, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Yet the arithmetic of modern politics stands in the way.
—Z. John Zhang, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
Of course, every child should learn how to write essays and do basic arithmetic.
—Niral Shah, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
These aren’t abstract trends—they’re the daily arithmetic that forecloses upward mobility for tens of millions of Americans.
—Bobby Turner, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Yet the arithmetic of modern politics stands in the way.
—Z. John Zhang, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arithmetic
Noun
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But currency is a wildcard in the ranking math.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
29 Jan. 2026
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Maybe Napoleon was busy eating tater tots during math class.—
Travis Pinson,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The National Association of Realtors attempts to quantify housing affordability through the calculation of their Home Affordability Index.—
Chris Gunster,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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And that’s the only calculation that matters – to them.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Oc Register,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arithmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arithmetic. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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