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dead reckoning

noun

Definition of dead reckoningnext
as in theory

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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 dead reckoning The principle is a very old and simple one called dead reckoning – a very basic skill used by tyro sailors and nuclear submarine commanders. — New Atlas, 2 Dec. 2025 But for longitude, navigators had to rely on dead reckoning that was subject to errors. — Tim Bajarin, Forbes, 28 Apr. 2021 There is also straightforward dead reckoning and inertial navigation. — The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2021 The vehicle could still work out position updates using rotary encoders attached to its wheels—following a general strategy that sailors used for centuries, called dead reckoning. — Shaoshan Liu, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Feb. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dead reckoning
  1. theory
  2. speculation
  3. hypothetical
  4. hypothesis
  5. thesis
  6. guessing
Noun
  • During cross-examination on Tuesday, Kosowski asked a detective to lift a cart with a person onto a desk in an attempt to disprove the state's theory, which the judge did not allow.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The quest for real-life warp drives Einstein taught us that objects with mass can't accelerate through space beyond the speed of light, according to his theory of special relativity.
    — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of theory
Noun
  • That one is seeing all stars reprise their roles and came after months of speculation.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Superman and Batman might be one of the DC Universe’s most famous partnerships, but Robert Pattinson is officially ending speculation that his take on Bruce Wayne would fit in the cinematic world created by James Gunn.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of speculation
Noun
  • Some analysts voiced skepticism about the risk of a societal-scale attack carried out by AI, however, noting that such warnings typically come in the form of vague hypotheticals.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Thus, hypotheticals involving the NFL using a college football model might have been off base.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of hypothetical
Noun
  • That was when the police began to seriously consider the hypothesis that the blood was entering the washing machine from somewhere else.
    — Elvira Navarro, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • This kind of attempt to observe without tackling with hypotheses and conjectures and theories, right?
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of hypothesis
Noun
  • Dimitrios Kambouris | Getty Images Michael Burry is moving up the timeline for his bearish thesis on the fate of the artificial intelligence boom.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The thesis is that AI is going to shrink the workweek and people will fill the time with concerts and boxing and live theater.
    — Lane Brown, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of thesis
Noun
  • Not every round of online guessing has led to a pregnancy announcement, though.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • It’s marked by fear, second-guessing, and frustration, all with no guarantee that things will actually get better.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of guessing

Browse Nearby Words

dead presidents
dead reckoning
dead reckonings
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Cite this Entry

“Dead reckoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dead%20reckoning. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dead reckoning

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dead reckoning

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