evaluate

verb

eval·​u·​ate i-ˈval-yə-ˌwāt How to pronounce evaluate (audio)
-yü-ˌāt
evaluated; evaluating
Synonyms of evaluate

transitive verb

1
: to determine or fix the value of
2
: to determine the significance, worth, or condition of usually by careful appraisal and study
evaluative
i-ˈval-yə-ˌwā-tiv How to pronounce evaluate (audio)
-yü-ˌā-
adjective
evaluator
i-ˈval-yə-ˌwā-tər How to pronounce evaluate (audio)
-yü-ˌā-
noun

Synonyms of evaluate

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estimate, appraise, evaluate, value, rate, assess mean to judge something with respect to its worth or significance.

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

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

evaluate suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.

evaluate a student's work

value equals appraise but without implying expertness of judgment.

a watercolor valued by the donor at $500

rate adds to estimate the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values.

a highly rated restaurant

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

Examples of evaluate in a Sentence

We need to evaluate our options. evaluate a training program as effective
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.
Cath labs are used to evaluate chest pain, identify blocked coronary arteries and perform urgent treatments such as angioplasty and stent placement after heart attacks. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 30 June 2026 For families already struggling with their own significant debt, this can also be a good opportunity to evaluate broader financial challenges. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Both groups subsequently withdrew their nominations, but the FDA elected to evaluate the substances anyway. — Aria Bendix, NBC news, 30 June 2026 Brinkley’s email said the positions won’t be immediately filled and instead, the next permanent police chief will evaluate the department’s leadership structure and determine its future command staff. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for evaluate

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from evaluation, from French évaluation, from Middle French evaluacion, from esvaluer to evaluate, from e- + value value

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of evaluate was in 1842

Phrases Containing evaluate

Rhymes for evaluate

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Browse Nearby Words

evaluable
evaluate
evaluation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Evaluate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evaluate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

evaluate

verb
eval·​u·​ate i-ˈval-yə-ˌwāt How to pronounce evaluate (audio)
evaluated; evaluating
1
: to find the value of
evaluate a mathematical expression
2
: to decide the value or worth of after study
evaluate a new program
evaluation
-ˌval-yə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce evaluate (audio)
noun
evaluative
-ˈval-yə-ˌwāt-iv How to pronounce evaluate (audio)
adjective
evaluator
-ˌwāt-ər How to pronounce evaluate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on evaluate

Nglish: Translation of evaluate for Spanish Speakers

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