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
  • Their goal was to test the leading theory, first put forward in the 1980s, that turbulence — the irregular motion of air currents in the atmosphere — caused shadow bands.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Zahary emphasized that LLMs, in his experience, have been valuable in assisting humans in developing new theories or finding answers to problems.
    — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of theory
Noun
  • This speculation is supported by reports from Fightful Select and PWInsider, and is bolstered by her partner, Kevin Knight, currently holding the AEW TNT Championship.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The announcement comes amid speculation about potential 2028 presidential contenders on the Republican side.
    — Olivia Rinaldi, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of speculation
Noun
  • There’s no reason to believe organizers of PGA tournaments, marathons, NASCAR races and similar sporting would ever demand payment, and thus the hypotheticals are arguably scare tactics rather than realistic consequences.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 July 2026
  • His second-guessing doesn’t stanch his inner torrent of bile, which continues through dinner with Irène and her mother, and goes on for another fifteen pages of emotional hypotheticals and conditionals.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
Definition of hypothetical
Noun
  • But with this hypothesis the siblings felt they had been given the freedom to dream for the first time—the very time a miracle might just happen.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The World Health Organization’s independent scientific advisory group reported in 2025 that much of the information needed to fully evaluate the competing hypotheses had not been provided by China.
    — Art Jipson, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
Definition of hypothesis
Noun
  • Lenovo ThinkVision 14-inch Portable Monitor Sometimes the best way to crank through that essay or thesis is to change up the scenery.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Williams’ humanitarian activities were inspired by his family; both of his parents spent time teaching in juvenile detention centers, and the cornerback wrote his college thesis on therapy in juvenile detention centers.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of thesis
Noun
  • In addition to being a fun interactive guessing game, the company said the cookie lover who guesses the flavor correctly will win a $25,000 grand prize.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 31 July 2026
  • Moving in together won’t guarantee a perfect relationship, but honest conversations before and after the boxes are unpacked can make sharing a home feel more like a partnership than a guessing game.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dead reckoning

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dead reckoning

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