assess

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb assess differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of assess are appraise, estimate, evaluate, rate, and value. While all these words mean "to judge something with respect to its worth or significance," 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

Where would appraise be a reasonable alternative to assess?

Although the words appraise and assess have much in common, 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 would estimate be a good substitute for assess?

In some situations, the words estimate and assess are roughly equivalent. 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 evaluate a more appropriate choice than assess?

The synonyms evaluate and assess 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 rate and estimate relate to one another, in the sense of assess?

Rate adds to estimate the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values.

a highly rated restaurant

How are the words value and appraise related as synonyms of assess?

Value equals appraise but without implying expertness of judgment.

a watercolor valued by the donor at $500

Examples 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 assess The town of Chaitén is very rural, and the area itself lacks submarine cables, but the team’s work could help assess whether volcanic activity might damage those cables at other locations across the globe. Ashley Balzer Vigil, Ars Technica, 21 Dec. 2024 When uncertain radar data is detected, operators can use the cameras as an additional resource to confirm and assess the situation. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 21 Dec. 2024 Its mice and rat control service includes a comprehensive inspection to assess the extent of an infestation and the vulnerabilities of the home. Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024 First, assess the security measures in place, including the use of encryption standards and incident response plans. Lior Lamesh, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for assess 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assess
Verb
  • Kansas imposed a proof-of-citizenship requirement more than a decade ago that grew into one of the biggest political fiascos in the state in recent memory.
    John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024
  • The play’s supernatural subtext was always a cheap theatrical gimmick, unconvincing and unworthy of Wilson’s seriousness about black Americans escaping imposed Christianity and developing their own skepticism.
    Armond White, National Review, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • He is estimated to win an arbitration award of a one-year, $28.8 million contract, after prevailing over the Blue Jays in arbitration to the tune of $19.9 million prior to last season.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
  • The nonprofit organization estimates that 415,000 dogs and cats were killed in animal shelters across the country in 2023.
    FunnyFuzzy Contributor, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Initially charged with manslaughter, the charge was later upgraded to homicide, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
  • This update comes after authorities said in a Nov. 7 press release that three suspects had been charged, one suspect with abandonment of a person followed by death, and two others with supplying narcotics.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • That potential growth was the lure for Swedish private equity fund EQT to lead a $1 billion investment into Flix in July, valuing the company at $3.4 billion.
    Iain Martin, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • The building and parking lot are valued at about $1.7 million according to Colliers.
    Ricardo Torres, Journal Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Since incorrect guesses can cost valuable attempts, players should carefully evaluate their choices and double-check potential connections before committing.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
  • In this case, a cardiologist may periodically evaluate and perform imaging tests to confirm your condition isn't worsening.
    Angela Ryan Lee, Health, 28 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near assess

Cite this Entry

“Assess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assess. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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