as in math
the act or process of performing mathematical operations to find a value
I haven't actually done the arithmetic yet, but I suspect we're losing money on the deal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of arithmetic
That figure is the cold arithmetic of economic gravity.
—
Bobby Ghosh, Time, 8 Apr. 2026
So drivers are now doing constant frantic mental arithmetic about when to deploy extra energy to go faster and when to recharge — at 200 mph, in traffic.
—Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
What sounds like bad arithmetic is correct politics.
—Josef Joffe, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
No self-pity in those four words, no performance of stoicism either—just the clean arithmetic of a life lived at full speed.
—Outside, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Bobby Ghosh, Time, 8 Apr. 2026
So drivers are now doing constant frantic mental arithmetic about when to deploy extra energy to go faster and when to recharge — at 200 mph, in traffic.
—Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
What sounds like bad arithmetic is correct politics.
—Josef Joffe, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
No self-pity in those four words, no performance of stoicism either—just the clean arithmetic of a life lived at full speed.
—Outside, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arithmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arithmetic
Noun
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Now, if someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo is added, that would change that math.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 May 2026
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Or, if your Social Security funds are mixed with other income in the same account, the math becomes more complicated, and these protections may not cover the full balance.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Now, the farmer is running the calculations.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
16 May 2026
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Often referred to as the next frontier of computing, quantum computers are being sought to complete calculations that are impossible for classical computers.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arithmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arithmetic. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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