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
The authors estimated that around half of GDP loss was attributable to the years of elevated policy uncertainty. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 23 June 2026 The crossing remained closed Tuesday afternoon with repairs estimated to be complete in two to three days, Brewster said. Arkansas Online, 23 June 2026
Noun
The analyst raised its estimates due to strength in Corning’s segment catering to the AI data center buildout. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 22 June 2026 Leinweber said a timetable estimate has the new system scheduled for completion within six months. Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for estimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estimate
Verb
  • Officials were continuing to conduct mobile air monitoring and assess potential air quality impacts on Thursday, the agency said.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • According to the study, North America ranked sixth among the six regions assessed.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Patients compared treatment quotes, looked at airfare, and calculated whether the trip made financial sense.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • Analysts then calculated the average cost of a pie in each city, providing a snapshot of which spots offer the most affordable pizzas.
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • By the Global Wellness Institute’s 2024 estimation, thermal/mineral springs is a $72 billion industry (up from $50 billion in 2013), and there are about 31,386 establishments worldwide.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Hired for four years at a salary of $440,000, Carvalho quickly adopted a strategic plan that included detailed, regular review of a school’s test scores — from both the annual state tests and periodic district assessments.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
  • After Iran played to a draw Sunday at SoFi Stadium, its second of the World Cup in as many matches, the team’s coach began his postmatch assessment by backing up six months.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • All of the profits will be donated to strengthen Redress’ work in advancing emerging creatives through its network of alumni, who value sustainability and circularity.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 22 June 2026
  • Even if Wells doesn’t turn things around offensively, the Yankees highly value his defense.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Legal steps necessary to make Orlando the capital of Florida are so simple, in fact, that any one can figure them out.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2026
  • John’s problem, his brother figured, was a lack of direction.
    Matthew Blackwell, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • SpaceX received a cautious appraisal from KeyBanc Capital Markets, which said the stock’s lofty valuation already reflects much of its long-term growth potential.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 22 June 2026
  • But any changes would not help in the immediate future — the first round of design appraisals and cost estimates won't be finished until 2027.
    Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Marketing claims about smoothness, energy, and mood are starting points for evaluation, not endpoints.
    Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026
  • This focus allowed for a more consistent evaluation of firms with similar structures and obligations, providing insight into a distinct and increasingly influential part of the advisory landscape.
    Riley de León, CNBC, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Estimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estimate. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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