estimate 1 of 2

Definition of estimatenext

estimate

2 of 2

noun

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
Should Hormuz remain disrupted through 2027 with Gulf exports recovering only gradually, Brent could rise above $130 in late 2026 and average $105 for the year, the bank estimates. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 June 2026 This year, the level of sea ice in West Antarctica is about 50% lower than average, Neff estimated. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 June 2026
Noun
The state-level estimates are based on electricity data from the Energy Information Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's regional temperature forecast. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 15 June 2026 The goal is to spread awareness so that people protect themselves from extreme heat that leads to more than 30 deaths and hundreds of hospitalizations every year, according to county estimates. Miami Herald Staff Report, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for estimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estimate
Verb
  • While Estrella found a permanent home, Valle cautioned residents to assess each situation carefully.
    Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • The source also said Bessent has directed his team to assess conditions in the Gulf and request comprehensive estimates of costs associated with such repairs.
    Sarah Dean, NBC news, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Nursing home operators argued the state failed to properly account for the medical complexity of residents when calculating those payments, reducing reimbursement for facilities caring for some of the sickest patients.
    Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
  • Traditional points systems rarely establish a clear relationship to purchasing power, leaving consumers to calculate value against shifting redemption rates, and shrinking availability.
    Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • England, by my estimation, landed in a tougher than normal group, especially given the size of this World Cup field, but the squad has ridiculous talent and is due for a major run given some recent disappointments.
    Kellis Robinett, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
  • This model takes a field of placeholder tokens running over the canvas multiple times to generate likely tokens and using those to improve estimation of others.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • One reason post-surgical appointments matter so much is that pathology results provide the most complete assessment of the disease.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 June 2026
  • The measure would lower the annual cap on assessment increases for non-homestead properties from 10% to 5%.
    CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Flores, captain of the Negra Francisca, said the vessel — valued around $400,000 — belonged to his father, 84.
    Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • The deal is costing Fox $160 per share, using a combination of cash and Fox stock, and valuing Roku at $22 billion in total.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Jamison-Travis is another six-round pick who figures to land a roster spot based on his draft pedigree.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • The new starting rotation of Chris Sale, Martín Pérez, Bryce Elder, Grant Holmes and JR Ritchie figures to get a lengthy trial.
    Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Coley said the administration will settle on a final value for the land based on the appraisals.
    Douglas Hanks June 16, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
  • The town halls provided insight on topics including road projects, county assistance programs and protesting property appraisals.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • The department suspended the operating license for the facility on May 30 and is continuing with a follow-up evaluation, officials said.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • Torres ordered that Hudson receive mental health evaluation and treatment while in custody.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Estimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estimate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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