guesswork

noun

guess·​work ˈges-ˌwərk How to pronounce guesswork (audio)
Synonyms of guessworknext
: work performed or results obtained by guess : conjecture

Examples of guesswork in a Sentence

Calculating the drug's long-term effects is pure guesswork.
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.
When software is granted the authority to execute decisions autonomously, the underlying infrastructure can no longer rely on guesswork. — Filip Popovic, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 According to Balanda Atis, AVP of scientific communications at L’Oréal Paris, the brand is focused on taking the guesswork out of building an effective regimen in an era of multi-step skin-care routines. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026 This operational visibility eliminates weeks of back-and-forth negotiation and guesswork for brands and factory managers. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026 This two-piece set takes the guesswork out of putting together a coordinated look, with a streamlined silhouette that feels equally at home strolling through SoHo or running to catch a flight. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for guesswork

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guesswork was in 1725

Rhymes for guesswork

See All Rhymes for guesswork

Browse Nearby Words

guess-warp
guesswork
guest
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guesswork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guesswork. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

guesswork

noun
guess·​work -ˌwərk How to pronounce guesswork (audio)
: work performed or results gotten by guessing

More from Merriam-Webster on guesswork

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Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
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Quiz: Foreign Phrases You Should Know Check out your bona fides and avoid any faux pas.
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