Definition of evaluatenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb evaluate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of evaluate are appraise, assess, estimate, rate, and value. While all these words mean "to judge something with respect to its worth or significance," evaluate suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.

evaluate a student's work

When could appraise be used to replace evaluate?

The synonyms appraise and evaluate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Where would assess be a reasonable alternative to evaluate?

The words assess and evaluate can be used in similar contexts, but 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

In what contexts can estimate take the place of evaluate?

The words estimate and evaluate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

How are the words rate and estimate related as synonyms of evaluate?

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 evaluate?

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 evaluate The team also will carefully evaluate possible effects of a subsurface dam on any nearby water users, as well as on wildlife. Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026 During the Saturday general session meeting, Donna Soucy, a New Hampshire DNC member, defended the Granite State’s ability to evaluate presidential candidates despite being stripped of its former first-place status. Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026 The rally — spearheaded by Californians for Pesticide Reform, a coalition of more than 200 organizations in the state — was held shortly before a legislative hearing to evaluate the state’s pesticide program, including DPR’s work. Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The survey revealed that when parents evaluate family-friendly retail and experiences, fun and enjoyment (68 percent) and spending time together (66 percent) ranked higher than price and affordability (60 percent). Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evaluate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evaluate
Verb
  • She was rescued from the area by firefighters and assessed on their boat.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • In addition, there are the findings of the Police Reform Organizing Project’s (PROP) Court Monitoring Project, a kind of misnomer since its work actually involves assessing NYPD arrest practices.
    Robert Gangi, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The results of that study, published in 2016, identified 235 distinct bears using genetic testing and estimated the total bear population in western Connecticut was around 400 to 450 individuals.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Ventura County Sheriff's Office estimated that the total damage will cost car owners several thousand dollars.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Separately, PalmPay, the fintech company launched in Nigeria with backing from Transsion and China’s NetEase, is seeking about $200 million ahead of a potential Hong Kong IPO that could value it at more than $1 billion.
    Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Legend has it that Steinbrenner himself put up less than $200,000 of his own money — perhaps as little as $168,000 — to secure a roughly two percent initial ownership stake in a total purchase package initially valued at just over $10 million.
    Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Evaluate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evaluate. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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