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
It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026 Pestrella estimated the cost of the incident could be between $50 million and $100 million. Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 9 June 2026
Noun
Most estimates place his earnings, just from the racetrack, at around $60-80 million. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026 Last month, the American Hotel & Lodging Association issued a report that said World Cup bookings were running behind original estimates for roughly 8 in 10 hotels that expected to see some business from the event. Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 8 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
  • In my estimation, both are absent in Comey’s case.
    Wayne Unger, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
  • In Levinson’s estimation, that modern portrait should feel pretty funny.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Ritter later offered a blunt assessment of the competing cases presented to jurors.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
  • The recent fire heavily damaged the structure, and a structural assessment found that what remains is not salvageable, DPR explained.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • And in November 2024, two trucks carrying Santo tequila, valued at about $1 million, did not arrive at their destination.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 9 June 2026
  • When a satin skirt or silk scarf is valued primarily for the status endowed upon its wearer – rather than its functionality as clothing – products take on a mystical status.
    Eileen G'Sell, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • The Rockies’ climb to being a postseason team figures to be long and steep, but just how long and how steep depends on the route that Paul DePodesta, Josh Byrnes and company take.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 8 June 2026
  • At just 5-5, the team still is figuring things out now that Clark is back full time.
    David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Radical approaches to what is precious and what is worthless—or appraisal—have always been more than the inversion of that which is useless made priceless, what was originally meant to be ephemeral made timeless.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • It had previously been valued at $20 million, but a new appraisal would be required.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • The court was briefly recessed, and the judge ordered a medical evaluation after Pino appeared distressed and began breathing heavily.
    CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 8 June 2026
  • The kitten was later transferred to Cedar County League for Animal Welfare in Tipton, Iowa, for further evaluation for internal and external injuries.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Estimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estimate. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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