rate 1 of 3

1
as in quality
degree of excellence not being of the first rate, these apples are usually sold as food for livestock

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in ratio
the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things the exchange rate was 10 pesos to the dollar when we visited Mexico

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rate

2 of 3

verb (1)

1
as in to deserve
to be or make worthy of (as a reward or punishment) how does a summer intern rate a new computer when I've been told to make do with this clunker?

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2
3
as in to rank
to take or have a certain position within a group arranged in vertical classes a restaurant that consistently rates high in all the standard categories

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4
as in to consider
to think of in a particular way I would rate her my best friend; after all, she's always been there when I needed her

Synonyms & Similar Words

rate

3 of 3

verb (2)

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rate are appraise, assess, estimate, evaluate, and value. While all these words mean "to judge something with respect to its worth or significance," rate adds to estimate the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values.

a highly rated restaurant

When might appraise be a better fit than rate?

The words appraise and rate 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 could assess be used to replace rate?

Although the words assess and rate have much in common, 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 is estimate a more appropriate choice than rate?

The meanings of estimate and rate largely overlap; however, 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

When is it sensible to use evaluate instead of rate?

The synonyms evaluate and rate are sometimes interchangeable, but evaluate suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.

evaluate a student's work

How do value and appraise relate to one another, in the sense of rate?

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 rate
Noun
Up-to-date employment data has become extra crucial to investors and the Federal Reserve, especially after policymakers resumed rate cuts earlier this month on signs that the labor market is weakening. Jason Ma, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025 These simulations suggest that methane could be released at a rate of a few hundred kilograms per second, making the level of activity comparable to the water plumes on Saturn's ocean moon Enceladus. Andrew Jones, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
The city plans to complete rehabilitation projects on three bridges currently rated as poor by the end of 2026. Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 25 Sep. 2025 The Zagat Guide once rated Napa Rose second in the state behind only the French Laundry in Yountville. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rate
Noun
  • The Royals built quality depth with their bullpen this season.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
  • These delicate fruits are picked before they're fully ripened, which means that the right storage methods are key to coax the best flavor and quality out of them.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Zero account, transfer, trading or commission fees (fund ratios may apply).
    Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Still, it was modified for speed with larger throttle bodies, ported cylinder heads, two-into-two exhaust, race camshafts, and a higher compression ratio.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rate. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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