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
Conway estimated the deal to be over $100 million less valuable for the city after his questions revealed a pledge by Stonepeak to share 5% of revenues would be weakened by the new owner’s ability to write off interest costs and depreciation. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026 JPMorgan estimated last Friday that total oil flows from the Middle East stood at 17 million barrels per day, or more than 70% of the 2025 average. — Spencer Kimball,justina Lee, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
Her plea agreement makes clear that any sentencing estimate is only a prediction and that the judge is not bound by recommendations from prosecutors or the probation office. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026 Even if the changes make electricity cheaper, the administration’s headline savings estimate leaves out the health and climate costs of additional pollution. — Akshaya Jha, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for estimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estimate
Verb
  • After the undisputed killers plead insanity, doctors for the left-wing prosecutor and the defense often back their claims, judges approve the pleas, and the acquittees submit to annual reviews assessing whether the state should release them.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2026
  • One of the main limitations is that exposure was assessed using a single urine sample.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • While the total economic fallout of an extreme El Nino is hard to calculate, losses from past events have reached trillions of dollars, according to HSBC's Global Investment Research, which warns the numbers could be even bigger this time.
    — EDNA TARIGAN, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Calculate a realistic payoff date To find your payoff date, first calculate the total amount of debt that qualifies to be moved to a balance transfer card.
    — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This one was shaped by Week 1 results, which seemed to verify that the rebuilding Dolphins are bad, while greatly elevating estimation of the Niners.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Their estimation of what else the trader might have on in connection to the trade, however, was varied.
    — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • As a result, homeowners have seen their property assessments and tax bills skyrocket.
    — Elaine Parker, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Mills attributes their original breakdown to a combination of miscommunication, competing priorities and different assessments of whether college athletes could organize effectively.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The deal values the Caribbean resort chain at $6 billion and is expected to boost growth for both companies, according to CNBC.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The household also reported three cash accounts, including one worth more than $1 million, and bitcoin valued at between roughly $16,000 and $65,000.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The structure of the deal leaves the studio, which declined to comment, with more than $80 billion in debt and roughly $3 billion in annual free cash flow, figures that will likely handicap the studio’s operations moving forward.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Durbin figured the physical therapy would help her mom become strong enough to move home.
    — Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • After submitting your application, the process includes underwriting, a home appraisal and an inspection before final approval.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026
  • That means the first number two million owners see may be closer to a guess than an appraisal, generated for businesses that never asked to be valued in public.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Harbaugh said the team would reveal details and a time frame in due time after the evaluation is complete.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • But for those who do need help, an early evaluation is key to effective treatment or to identify reversible causes of memory problems.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Estimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estimate. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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