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 More than 300 criteria were evaluated, prompting the company to formalize policies that had previously been less structured. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026 Georgia coach Kirby Smart said last spring that the program evaluates each case individually. Christopher Harris, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026 In a 2015 study, researchers evaluated magnesium, vitamin B2, and vitamin Q10 as treatments for migraine. Md Published, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026 The Kings will re-evaluate the winger after the April 16 regular-season finale. Eric Stephens, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evaluate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evaluate
Verb
  • Each time an experienced attorney leaves, leaders assess that prosecutor’s caseload and make decisions about how many of their cases can be reassigned to remaining staff and which will be dropped due to diminished resources.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Each time an experienced attorney leaves, leaders assess that prosecutor's caseload and make decisions about how many of their cases can be reassigned to remaining staff and which will be dropped due to diminished resources.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Before the November 2022 election, when voters approved Measure B to let the city start charging for trash pickup, the city’s independent budget analyst estimated the new monthly fees would likely fall somewhere between $23 and $29.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Nine weeks after wind gusts estimated at 60-80 mph pummeled the Longmont Climbing Collective, peeling off some of its roof panels and damaging others that remained attached, the massive climbing gym will host its second Ice Climbing World Cup this weekend.
    John Meyer, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Pitchbook’s Zabelin said the company is valued at more than $10 billion, adding that Mercor and its competitors’ high values show investors think services like human feedback and expert testing of AI models are becoming a permanent and essential part of how AI systems are built and improved.
    Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • With this operation, the brand is now valued at 11 billion euros.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Evaluate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evaluate. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on evaluate

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