Definition of estimatenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb estimate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of estimate are appraise, assess, evaluate, rate, and value. While all these words mean "to judge something with respect to its worth or significance," 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

Where would appraise be a reasonable alternative to estimate?

The words appraise and estimate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 can assess be used instead of estimate?

While the synonyms assess and estimate are close in meaning, 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

When might evaluate be a better fit than estimate?

While in some cases nearly identical to estimate, evaluate suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.

evaluate a student's work

How are the words rate and estimate related?

Rate adds to estimate the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values.

a highly rated restaurant

How do value and appraise relate to one another, in the sense of estimate?

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 estimate
Verb
Seeger estimated that a relatively transparent low-e film letting in about 70% of visible light could lower a room’s temperature by roughly 3 to 4°F in a typical home without AC. Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026 The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service estimate that up to 18,000 private schools, colleges and other educational institutions nationwide could be affected by the proposal. Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
Traffic estimates from third-party tools can help, too, but read the direction before the number. Boris Dzhingarov, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The estimate accounts for practical factors including panel angle, wheel rotation and system losses. New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for estimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estimate
Verb
  • Their analysis, estimated to be complete this fall, will assess whether there is a regional cluster of Ewing sarcoma or other cancers.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Have a professional conduct a full inspection of your home to assess it for possible entry points.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As a result, organizations may struggle to monitor applications, track certification status and calculate available credits.
    Paul Toomey, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Land facing uphill and one spine engages; land facing downhill and the other does the job without the need for a pilot to calculate the perfect approach angle.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Some users have reported inaccuracies, and some experts have expressed caution about the reliability of facial age estimation tools, especially for women or certain racial or ethnic groups.
    Barbara Ortutay, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • After the speech, financial markets increased their estimation of the likelihood of an interest rate increase, according to the CME Group.
    Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The detailed clinical guidelines had laid out separate testosterone deficiency screening paths for men and women that were to happen during their annual health assessments.
    Idrees Ali, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • That project was federally approved in 2023 after public meetings and an environmental assessment, which is required under the National Environmental Policy Act.
    Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The public's mounting disdain for the tech sector could prove especially challenging for Anthropic and OpenAI, both valued at nearly $1 trillion and gearing up for potentially historic IPOs.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Project Rise Love Productions founders Richard McKerrow and Anna Beattie built a culture that valued creative independence, meaning relations with Sky were not always straightforward.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • If Baylor opens up, Kinne figures to be an attractive option.
    Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • That history figured prominently in comments from Chairman and CEO Russell Ford during the opening.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The loan still has to clear credit review, reserve requirements, and an appraisal but the door that was closed is now open.
    Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The owners were given third-party appraisals on each property and allowed to discuss the land acquisition over several months.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The researchers state that full techno-economic evaluations, lifecycle carbon tracking, and supply-chain costing are needed before HyperFuel hits neighborhood pumps.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Wellness services can extend to fitness evaluations, trainers, nutrition resources and lifestyle consultants.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Estimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estimate. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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