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 Clinicians will also evaluate a patient for medical conditions that might make weight loss more challenging, such as perimenopause or hypothyroidism, which is underactive thyroid. Amy J. Sheer, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2026 Lower federal courts had also embraced standards for evaluating partisan gerrymandering claims. Sherrilyn Ifill, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2026 Duque encourages shoppers to go hanger by hanger to evaluate the fabrics. Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026 Ruff said he will be evaluated when the team gets back to Buffalo. Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evaluate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evaluate
Verb
  • The facility remained closed Thursday while the damage was assessed, said hospital spokesperson Shellie Wass.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • In its classic form, a wealth tax is assessed annually.
    Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In September, the preliminary revision inferred that the US economy likely added about 911,000 fewer jobs than the jobs reports initially estimated for the 12-month period running from April 2024 through March 2025.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Smook estimates the cost to be roughly $40,000.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • According to the lawmakers, the bill would allow shipments valued at $600 or less to move more quickly through the importation and customs process.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Known for its hardness and high melting point, petalite is already valued in heat- and scratch-resistant glass and ceramics.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Evaluate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evaluate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on evaluate

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