Definition of evaluatenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb evaluate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of evaluate are appraise, assess, estimate, rate, and value. While all these words mean "to judge something with respect to its worth or significance," evaluate suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.

evaluate a student's work

When could appraise be used to replace evaluate?

The synonyms appraise and evaluate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Where would assess be a reasonable alternative to evaluate?

The words assess and evaluate can be used in similar contexts, but 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

In what contexts can estimate take the place of evaluate?

The words estimate and evaluate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

How are the words rate and estimate related as synonyms of evaluate?

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 evaluate?

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 evaluate Checking the solution simply requires evaluating the equation with the new values. — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026 For its part, the commission is still evaluating all the feedback before its leadership takes a vote. — Tzachi Zach, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026 An investment should therefore be evaluated on its financial merits, not solely on its potential tax benefits. — D. Scott Kenik, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026 That helps explain why investors need to evaluate Capital One’s spending differently. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evaluate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evaluate
Verb
  • It’s been further modified by many factors, from today’s online publishing platforms to new means for assessing and quantifying scientific impact, and the increasingly interdisciplinary and team-based nature of research.
    — Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • However, as some researchers have pointed out, the available studies didn’t assess whether emotions are actually regulated through the chatbot, and therefore conflate distress relief with attachment.
    — Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Burnham estimated that the same strategy for 114 would cost perhaps $100 million or more, making such a blunt approach unrealistic.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Officers estimated the damage to the guardrail cost around $6,500, in addition to around $16,500 in damages to the utility pole, police said.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In April 2020, Paramount (then ViacomCBS) closed its purchase of a 49% stake in Miramax in a deal valued at $375 million.
    — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Modern j-beauty pairs those traditional inputs with newer science like exosomes and biomimetic peptides, a combination that appeals to readers who value both heritage and clinical credibility.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Evaluate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evaluate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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