assess

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb assess differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of assess are appraise, estimate, evaluate, rate, and value. While all these words mean "to judge something with respect to its worth or significance," assess implies a critical appraisal for the purpose of understanding or interpreting, or as a guide in taking action.

officials are trying to assess the damage

Where would appraise be a reasonable alternative to assess?

Although the words appraise and assess have much in common, appraise commonly implies the fixing by an expert of the monetary worth of a thing, but it may be used of any critical judgment.

having their house appraised

When would estimate be a good substitute for assess?

In some situations, the words estimate and assess are roughly equivalent. However, estimate implies a judgment, considered or casual, that precedes or takes the place of actual measuring or counting or testing out.

estimated the crowd at two hundred

When is evaluate a more appropriate choice than assess?

The synonyms evaluate and assess are sometimes interchangeable, but evaluate suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.

evaluate a student's work

How do rate and estimate relate to one another, in the sense of assess?

Rate adds to estimate the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values.

a highly rated restaurant

How are the words value and appraise related as synonyms of assess?

Value equals appraise but without implying expertness of judgment.

a watercolor valued by the donor at $500

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 assess Washington Examiner chief political correspondent Byron York assessed the challenge that Donald Trump has to deal with on the economy, one of two major factors the president promised to address ahead of the 2024 election. Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2025 In the trial, 120 young adults underwent a dietary fat and sugar (DFS) survey for researchers to roughly assess their average intake for the previous 12 months. New Atlas, 27 Apr. 2025 In fewer than than 10 words, Koziol described a defensive coach’s dream assessing Turner. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2025 Pharmaceutical experts warn patients will likely eventually see higher prices and possibly some shortages if President Donald Trump follows through on his vow to assess tariffs on prescription drug imports, reports my colleague Ken Alltucker. Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assess
Verb
  • The company derives about 11% of its sales in China, according to RBC Capital Markets, putting it at risk from the growing trade conflict between Washington and Beijing, which have imposed blanket tariffs of 100% or more on each country’s goods.
    Bloomberg, Twin Cities, 22 Apr. 2025
  • As a result, experts have said a one-size-fits-all rate like what the White House imposed on steel, aluminum and cars would be devastating.
    Joseph Choi, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 26% of adults and 19% of children in the United States have seasonal allergies.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The Migration Policy Institute estimates that while arrests have increased, the pace of deportations is, so far, down from the last fiscal year of the Biden administration.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • One of the individuals charged, Mary Tracy Morrison, 50, founded a school called the Delta Institute for the Developing Brain, located in Jonesboro, about 143 miles northeast of Little Rock, per court documents obtained by USA TODAY.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Another man, who was with the man who died, allegedly pulled a gun during a struggle for the initial weapon and was charged with murder for his connection to the shooting.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • No one is taking Terry Rozier at this point, Jaime Jaquez Jr. certainly is a diminished asset and Duncan Robinson likely would be most valued as an expiring contract.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Ultimately, the new police chief must value community, embrace diversity, and promote a responsive, inclusive approach to law enforcement.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Pentagon's acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins is evaluating Hegseth's use of Signal to determine whether classified information was shared in the initial group chat.
    Destinee Adams, NPR, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The cafe permit request is being evaluated this spring by the state liquor control commission, while the town’s planning and zoning commission has set a June 5 public hearing on Tranquillity’s proposal to establish a gravel parking lot for more than 90 cars.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assess. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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