estimate 1 of 2

estimate

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb estimate differ from other similar words?

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

Where would appraise be a reasonable alternative to estimate?

The words appraise and estimate 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 can assess be used instead of estimate?

While the synonyms assess and estimate are close in meaning, 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 might evaluate be a better fit than estimate?

While in some cases nearly identical to estimate, evaluate suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.

evaluate a student's work

How are the words rate and estimate related?

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 estimate?

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 estimate
Verb
The Congressional Budget Office estimated earlier this year that the bill could cost upward of $190 billion over a decade. Aris Folley, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024 The group estimated that about 260,000 packages were stolen each day last year. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
The company also raised the top end of its full-year revenue guidance and expects between $1.14 billion and $1.18 billion, up from its previous estimate of between $1.11 billion and $1.16 billion. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024 One estimate states that UnitedHealthcare denied nearly 30% of claims under Mr. Thompson’s leadership, more than any other insurer. Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for estimate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estimate
Verb
  • 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
Verb
  • Then, that data was used to set personalized goals, calculate PowerZone metrics and recommend specific classes.
    Andrew Schultz, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • One proposal would let employers calculate overtime based on a longer stretch of time, so workers would earn 1.5 times their regular pay only after exceeding 80 hours over a two-week period.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The majority of young voters cast their vote for Kamala Harris this election cycle, but her support eroded significantly from 2020, underperforming Biden by 11 points in one exit poll’s estimation.
    Brian Barrett, WIRED, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Polls have always been a murky business, but after underestimating Trump’s strength in 2016, many poll strategists changed their methodology in an attempt to ensure accurate estimations.
    Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Additionally, implementing clear protocols for identifying, documenting and escalating risks—such as detailed risk assessment frameworks and streamlined reporting channels—ensures no critical details are overlooked.
    Anushree Jain, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Use the energy assessment on smart meters or hire a professional for an energy assessment.
    Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Organizations that highly value ERG leadership and participation will retain more high performers.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Minimum initial deposit From $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the plan Fees The $40 annual maintenance fee for variable annuities can be waived for contracts valued at $100,000 or more.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But every child has to figure this out on their own for the first time.
    Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
  • But ancient bone fragments and genes are helping scientists figure that out.
    Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Cynical appraisals of Prosecco’s ability to embody its terroir may highlight the masking effects of bubbles and high sugar levels, but this is unhelpfully reductive.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
  • The Bears have countered with appraisals ranging from $60 million to $71 million and categorizing the property as vacant residential land, which gets taxed at 10% of market value.
    Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 25 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Consumers increasingly look to peers for genuine product evaluations, with 99.9% of consumers reading reviews before making an online purchase.
    Jessica Hawthorne-Castro, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • According to court documents, Dali was ordered to reside in Philadelphia under GPS monitoring, undergo a mental health evaluation and surrender any travel documents.
    Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near estimate

Cite this Entry

“Estimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estimate. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on estimate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!