guesswork

noun

guess·​work ˈges-ˌwərk How to pronounce guesswork (audio)
Synonyms of guessworknext
: work performed or results obtained by guess : conjecture

Examples of guesswork in a Sentence

Calculating the drug's long-term effects is pure guesswork.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
No second sales pitch, no quality guesswork, no aftermarket shop stealing the sale. Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 With home try-on programs, this approach removes much of the concern and guesswork and lets a customer find the frames that best complement their appearance without ever having to leave their sofa. K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 2 July 2026 Having a wide array of Tinted Moisturizer and Secret Camouflage shades right at my fingertips completely took the guesswork out of putting together this routine. Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 1 July 2026 By the time the blocks arrive at a customer’s site, the engineering guesswork is entirely gone. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for guesswork

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guesswork was in 1725

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Cite this Entry

“Guesswork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guesswork. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

guesswork

noun
guess·​work -ˌwərk How to pronounce guesswork (audio)
: work performed or results gotten by guessing

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