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
  • What began as a weeklong music camp eventually turned into year-round educational programming, where students learn songwriting, music theory, recording and live performance before showcasing their work on the festival stage.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • The branzino – buttery, substantial and just the right amount of briny – is the most tangible, tasty expression of the theory.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of theory
Noun
  • In a call with analysts on Tuesday after PayPal reported its second-quarter results, Lores reiterated the company doesn’t comment on market speculation or potential merger and acquisition discussions.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • Amid speculation that Fetterman may abandon Democrats, Schumer this week urged his colleague to remain in the party, arguing that there is room for widely divergent political views in the Senate caucus.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 July 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
  • This is where the essay's whole thesis lands on a balance sheet.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • The argument then was that the consumer travel thesis was intact and the sentiment headwind would fade.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 27 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dead reckoning

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dead reckoning

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