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 Massport, the authority that runs the airport, told USA TODAY the runway will continue to be closed Thursday afternoon as the aircraft is assessed. Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 12 June 2025 What’s next This study used paper-and-pencil tasks to assess financial performance. Ian McDonough, The Conversation, 12 June 2025 Your team can assess each item by its cost to the organization, the risk of inaction and the potential upside. David James, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 At the hospital, a team of emergency and pediatric doctors assessed the situation. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for assess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assess
Verb
  • Now that Trump has sidestepped Congress and claimed the right to impose tariffs at will, Woldenberg is taking on the White House directly.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
  • That gave the coaches at least an idea of how the two young linemen move on their feet without a defensive end imposing his weight, will and strength on them.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • Days before the anniversary celebration, Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and John Kennedy (R-LA) expressed concern about the cost, which is estimated to fall between $25 million and $40 million.
    Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2025
  • Army officials estimated the cost of the parade at between $25 million and $45 million, with a portion of funds earmarked for repairing city streets to accommodate heavy military equipment.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • The dad and the mother, who was in Florida during the abuse, are charged with child abuse and torture — crimes that authorities said would be eligible for the diversion program.
    Ethan Wolin, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • Others worry about charging access, range for long-distance travel, or the complexity of installing a charger at home.
    Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • It was last valued at $65 million in 2024 and has raised a total of $8 million, according to PitchBook.
    Stephen Pastis, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • In 2015, Northeast Boise homes were valued at less than half of that, right around $300,000.
    Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Most who signed are intimately involved with evaluating and overseeing extramural research grants.
    Calvin Woodward, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • As with all equity investments, investors should carefully evaluate all options with a qualified investment professional before making any investment decision.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assess. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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