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

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
Researchers estimated spider numbers by counting individual web funnels and collecting specimens for further analysis. Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026 The number comes from a 1999 Department of Justice report that used surveys to estimate missing children cases nationwide under broad definitions, including everything from abductions to runaways to brief scares where a kid gets lost for a couple of hours. Stephen Johnson, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
The present profit forecasts are being flattered by surging estimates for semiconductor and energy companies without yet reflecting any frictional effects of the massive jump in energy, chemical and shipping costs, nor the unhelpful rise in Treasury yields toward the top of their one-year range. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026 While that is a relatively small increase, when the New York Fed looked solely at the population that newly took up sports betting after legalization (roughly 3% of the population), its estimates show delinquencies rose by 10 percentage points. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for estimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estimate
Verb
  • The changes would allow the association to assess daily fines against homeowners who are in violation, as well as to place liens on their properties.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The General Assembly that year established the Program Review Process Advisory Council, which went into effect in July 2024, to help assess the review process for new higher education programs and prevent duplication of programs.
    William J. Ford, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Enforcement officers learn early to calculate their moves carefully.
    Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
  • That’s an additional 48 runs combined, which analytic models would calculate as roughly the equivalent of five wins, depending on the season.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The world will hit an oil cliff in mid-April, in Papic’s estimation, because supplies from the strategic petroleum reserve as well as Russian and Iranian oil exempted from sanctions will run out.
    Matt Peterson, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The estimation completion for this project is late 2026.
    March 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Eco effort The hotel has applied for its LEED assessment following the adoption of a number of sustainability and energy-saving measures during the property’s renovation and current operations.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Other assessments point to a milder rise in prices.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • It is distributed as five separate bonus bets, each valued at 20% of your initial eligible wager.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The ripple fold is a strong option for homeowners who value both form and function, offering smooth operation along a track system.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Listeners have been trying to figure that out.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • As the frantic final seconds unfolded, Huskies coach Dan Hurley figured a timeout would do little good.
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Their appraisal underscored the challenges the Survivors’ Act was encountering in the courtroom.
    Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Save copies of receipts, appraisals, or purchase records.
    Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Since August, the clinic has provided 2,200 health screenings, including 3D mammograms, blood pressure evaluations and diabetes and cardiovascular testing.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Still, the driver's age is raising broader policy questions, as some residents are calling for stricter testing requirements for older drivers, including more frequent vision and driving evaluations.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Estimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estimate. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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