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 The Army Corrections Brigade teams up with local and federal law enforcement agencies for yearly escape drills to maintain readiness, assess and validate security procedures and improve cooperation between agencies, Friego said. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025 So, while executives are scrambling to assess how much of their upcoming slates might be affected, many of the below-the-line unions were cautiously optimistic — or, like the Teamsters, outright enthusiastic. Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025 Xcel Energy, which files quality of service plans with the PUC, was assessed $6.5 million in penalties based on its performance. Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 8 May 2025 No active player is more qualified to assess the state of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ playoff chances than Brad Marchand. Chris Johnston, New York Times, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for assess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assess
Verb
  • In Game 6, the Nuggets, already playing a short rotation, finally decided to impose their will physically on a young Thunder team.
    Kelly Iko, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • The law imposes civil penalties and mandates back pay and benefits for noncompliance.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • For context, the federal government is estimated to spend around $7 trillion total in fiscal year 2025.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Bernie Madoff Bernie Madoff, infamous for the largest Ponzi scheme in U.S. history, lost a personal net worth estimated at $823-$826 million before his 2008 downfall.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • The Edge supports fast charging up to 25W, along with 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging (the wattage isn't specified, but is likely 4.5W like other S phones).
    Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 13 May 2025
  • Willie Eugene Sims, 69, was taken into custody in Ohio and charged with Ralston’s killing after a breakthrough in the case linked him to evidence long stored but never matched — until now, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
    Bethany Brown, People.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • While valuing space and independence is healthy, disconnecting from your own emotional world can eventually keep you from experiencing genuine connection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • New research has revealed that Millennials often value their dogs' company over that of their human besties, siblings—and even their own parents.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Improve access and quality of pre- and post-natal support, maternal care and child healthcare – Effective leaders evaluate their benefits to ensure employees and their dependents have access to quality care and do not face unreasonable costs.
    John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • To evaluate Creative Gate’s appeal to other partners, including potential co-financiers, a team from the Festival has attended a startup incubation program at the Baltics’ largest science park, Tehnopol, in eastern Estonia.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assess. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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