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
Because advertising carries no app-store commission, MPA estimates 65 to 70 cents of every ad dollar flows through to earnings. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026 The discovery prevented the plane from being moved on schedule, delaying a flight and forcing JetBlue to use a different aircraft instead, according to the affidavit, an interruption estimated to cost the airline over $2,400. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
Before the call, Sinclair reported mixed results for the April-to-June period, nipping analysts’ consensus revenue forecast but falling short of estimates for net losses per share. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026 The houses pitch estimates, guarantees, marketing plans, and the global machinery required to turn somebody’s possessions into an event. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for estimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estimate
Verb
  • The recurring fuel and service operations can be assessed through margins, contracts, customer retention, and cash conversion.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Tyler Vanwert via Reuters A wildfire burning northwest of downtown Spokane, Washington, has damaged more than 600 structures as officials continue to assess the destruction.
    Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • These superlatives were calculated based on data measured between May 25 and July 12; Nielsen operates on a multi-week delay for streaming titles.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
  • These values are used to calculate how much property taxes residents pay.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • As a left-hand-hitting middle infielder, Bruin is a different player than his dad — and by Benny’s estimation, a better one.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The new recommendations apply risk estimation to adults ages 30 to 79.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • But the mission in June 2025 was halted in advance of battle damage assessments and was not restarted after those assessments concluded that the program had set back the Iranian program by only a year or two.
    KORI SCHAKE, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The proposals would overhaul a state assessment for developmental disabilities, impose caps on residential treatment programs and strengthen community transition after leaving them.
    Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • According to the market-research firm Data Bridge, the longevity- and wellness-biotech industry was valued at almost $5 billion in 2024.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Founded by a former lawyer turned bookseller and Pasadena native Dan Whitmore, the store is doing brisk business among a younger clientele that still values the tactile pleasures to be found from beautiful books.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The road woes have been an issue for the Current in 2026, and the team will need to figure it out at some point.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Egbuka figures to be the primary target for quarterback Baker Mayfield.
    Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Rooney was open to advice from Shearer and others, but leaned in especially to appraisal and tips from experienced producers.
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The lender takes a final look at your finances, employment and the appraisal report before issuing full approval.
    Sharon Wu, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Worth noting Marcelo Mayer, acquired on Monday from the Boston Red Sox, will report to San Francisco for an evaluation.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the city reassures the public that each future phase of the project requires a public notice, a formal review and environmental evaluation.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Estimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estimate. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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