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 Instead of testing a mattress under store lighting and time pressure, customers are evaluating it at home, where factors like room layout, lighting, and general comfort can influence the decision. Wyles Daniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 To help readers compare their options, USA TODAY evaluated 15 leading gold dealers based on factors including pricing transparency, reputation, buyback programs, customer experience and product selection. Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 14 May 2026 Dopamine is important in the basal ganglia circuits that evaluate whether a particular outcome is worth the effort to make an action. Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 Seasons run from September to November, and January to February, with celebrity judges evaluating pairs of dancers, one a professional, the other a celebrity from another walk of life. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for evaluate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evaluate
Verb
  • When concerning online activity is flagged by the system, schools follow established processes to assess the situation, provide appropriate support, and involve families.
    Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 14 May 2026
  • On the other, some homes were assessed only for soot and ash.
    Aarne Heikkila, NBC news, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Jasper Johns’s Figure 2, 1955, and Alley Oop, 1958, both sold below their estimates of $10 million and $6 million, respectively, as did Roy Lichtenstein’s Voodoo Lily, 1961, estimated at $6 million.
    Julie Brener Davich, ARTnews.com, 19 May 2026
  • Morgan Stanley analysts have estimated generative AI could reduce film and TV production costs by as much as 30 percent.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Many factors go into how a player is valued.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • Online fast-fashion retailer Shein is said to be acquiring Everlane, the apparel brand known for its sustainability ethos, in a deal valuing the company at $100 million, according to information shared by Reuters.
    Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Evaluate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evaluate. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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