number 1 of 2

Definition of numbernext
1
as in digit
a character used to represent a mathematical value asked him to write out the equation in numbers, not letters

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2
as in composition
a literary, musical, or artistic production a doomsday novel that turns out to be one of those it-was-all-a-dream numbers

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3
as in act
a performance regularly presented by an individual or group a modern dance number

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4
5
as in feat
an act of notable skill, strength, or cleverness a stunning gymnastics number that really impressed the judges

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6
as in calculation
numbers plural the act or process of performing mathematical operations to find a value if you believe the president's numbers, we can afford these new programs and still have tax cuts

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number

2 of 2

verb

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 number
Noun
The number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides during the war could reach 2 million by spring, with Russia sustaining the largest number of troop deaths for any major power in any conflict since World War II, according to an international think tank report published Tuesday. Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026 As the Charlotte region’s population continues to increase, so does the number of immigrant residents, especially from Latin American and Asian countries. Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
Before the war, the extended family numbered around 700 people. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026 On some of our night shifts the total dead numbered in the double digits—some dispatched by cops, others by vigilantes, rival narcos, or freelance tiradors. Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for number
Recent Examples of Synonyms for number
Noun
  • In turn, a strong economic growth and accelerating renewable energy adoption could sustain industrial demand for silver even at triple-digit prices.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • As for the quadruple-digit output, a pair of electric motors direct 500 hp to the front alone.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In addition to occasional bursts of folk songs, there are outstanding new compositions by Mario Batkovic that move from a quick, nerve-jangling pulse to a full surge of mournful chords in a late sequence.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The objective is to study the composition and origin of the domes and surroundings.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Neem oil affects insects' feeding abilities and acts as a repellent.
    Jon VanZile, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The new Fed chief faces a tough balancing act on the dual mandate of fostering employment and keeping prices stable.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Finally, Marilyn is not presented as a cipher to be solved or quarry to be caged.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026
  • The Blind Owl is extremely dense, brimming with metaphors and ciphers and symbols.
    Amir Ahmadi Arian, The Dial, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This is notoriously one of the most difficult problems in autonomous aerial systems, and quite an impressive feat.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Bringing expert-level skiing, mountain biking, and climbing to the table is no easy feat, even for the pros.
    Dennis Lewon, Outside, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But cynical calculation gives way to transformative sense of purpose and perhaps redemption.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The city of Dallas’ Electrical Permit Checklist is publicly available, but electricians will typically submit the permit application on your behalf, along with a site plan, load calculations and their licensing credentials.
    Julianna Chen, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The project, often called the Turquoise tower, is also leaning on another state law, California’s density bonus law, to bypass the neighborhood height limit, boost its residential unit count and maximize commercial density.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Two-way contracts, which pay half the NBA rookie minimum and do not count toward the salary cap or luxury tax, allow for players to be on their NBA team’s active list for as many as 50 regular-season games with other game action having to come in the G League.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Rotten Tomatoes, which aggregates film reviews, found only 11% positive reviews as of Sunday morning.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Our local news reaches and aggregated over a million people.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Number.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/number. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

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