guesstimate

noun

guess·​ti·​mate ˈge-stə-mət How to pronounce guesstimate (audio)
Synonyms of guesstimatenext
: an estimate usually made without adequate information
guesstimate
ˈge-stə-ˌmāt How to pronounce guesstimate (audio)
transitive verb

Examples of guesstimate in a Sentence

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.
This weekend’s box office is one big ol’ guesstimate. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2025 Of course this is just a guesstimate, and the probability changes all the time as superpower tensions wax and wane. — Literary Hub, 12 May 2025 This guesstimate, by analysts at JPL, is based on the assumption that astronomers are far better at spotting mountains than molehills. — IEEE Spectrum, 28 Mar. 2012 There are numerous factors that could result in my guesstimate being off, such as disease prevalence and corporations reducing antibiotic use due to consumer pressure. — Dylan Matthews, Vox, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for guesstimate

Word History

Etymology

blend of guess and estimate

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guesstimate was in 1923

Rhymes for guesstimate

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Browse Nearby Words

guess stick
guesstimate
guess-warp
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Cite this Entry

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

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