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 Russian strikes launched on Ukraine has increased steadily in 2026. — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026 Therefore, Chicago condominium owners are not entitled to e-mail addresses and phone numbers of board members. — Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
As much as any small college, Mount Mercy has used athletics to drive enrollment, which numbers 1,450 this fall. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 If the denaturalization case against him succeeds, Ahmed’s days in the US could be numbered. — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for number
Recent Examples of Synonyms for number
Noun
  • Mail-in voters would have been required to provide the last four digits of their identification number on their ballot envelopes.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026
  • This free, six-digit number helps prevent someone else from filing a federal tax return using your Social Security number.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The team also used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how the membrane’s structure and solvent composition influence fluoride-ion movement.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • While political affiliations may change the composition of a governing body, our fundamental responsibilities do not change.
    — Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • While sharing little in common with dueling-guitar acts such as the Allman Brothers Band or ’70s contemporaries the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, Television also drew its power from the preternatural rapport between Verlaine and Lloyd’s instruments.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Demand for grading — an act of verifying a card’s authenticity and condition — has grown as collectors increasingly treat trading and vintage sports cards as alternative investments.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • There’s that vibrancy and, on the other side of the ledger, dead boys, ciphers, unfinished or unfinishable quests.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But in my view, our relationships to animals, whose lives are untouched by the existential woes and artifices of personhood, are the richest and most evident ciphers for our own often inscrutable psyches.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Coach has had a strong foothold on the Lyst Index's top 20 Hottest Brands since the second quarter of 2024, an impressive feat, considering the rest of the list is composed of much pricier luxury brands like Chanel and Bottega Veneta.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Though the band ran into a bit of legal trouble with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleading team, the tour has been a career-defining feat.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Anahita Dua, founder and chair of Healthcare for Action, said the political calculation does not necessarily diminish the proposal’s seriousness.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The 11 teams are collectively worth $50 billion, based on Sportico’s calculations and interviews with those knowledgeable of F1 finances, including team owners, executives, sports bankers, attorneys and investors.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The latest point-in-time count found 194 people experiencing homelessness in Davis, an increase of nearly 20% from the 162 counted two years ago.
    — Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Matsui has a commanding lead of roughly 25% in the other two counties, which have nearly all their votes counted and a higher share of Republican voters.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Where responsibly available material can be aggregated near production, these feedstocks support shorter supply chains, diversify sourcing and create additional income in farming regions.
    — Kari Stoever, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The 270toWin consensus forecast, which aggregates several forecasters, leans Democratic in 220 House seats and Republican in 196, with 19 toss-ups.
    — Steven John, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Number.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/number. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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