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Some common synonyms of rate<\/em> are appraise<\/em><\/a>, assess<\/em><\/a>, estimate<\/em><\/a>, evaluate<\/em><\/a>, and value<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to judge something with respect to its worth or significance,\" rate<\/em> adds to estimate<\/em> the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values.<\/p>

\/\/ a highly rated<\/em> restaurant<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'appraise' be a better fit than 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words appraise<\/em><\/a> and rate<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, appraise<\/em> commonly implies the fixing by an expert of the monetary worth of a thing, but it may be used of any critical judgment.<\/p>

\/\/ having their house appraised<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'assess' be used to replace 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words assess<\/em><\/a> and rate<\/em> have much in common, assess<\/em> implies a critical appraisal for the purpose of understanding or interpreting, or as a guide in taking action.<\/p>

\/\/ officials are trying to assess<\/em> the damage<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'estimate' a more appropriate choice than 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of estimate<\/em><\/a> and rate<\/em> largely overlap; however, estimate<\/em> implies a judgment, considered or casual, that precedes or takes the place of actual measuring or counting or testing out.<\/p>

\/\/ estimated<\/em> the crowd at two hundred<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'evaluate' instead of 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms evaluate<\/em><\/a> and rate<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but evaluate<\/em> suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.<\/p>

\/\/ evaluate<\/em> a student's work<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do 'value' and 'appraise' relate to one another, in the sense of 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Value<\/em><\/a> equals appraise<\/em><\/a> but without implying expertness of judgment.<\/p>

\/\/ a watercolor valued<\/em> by the donor at $500<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the verb 'rate' differ from other similar words?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Some common synonyms of rate<\/em> are appraise<\/em><\/a>, assess<\/em><\/a>, estimate<\/em><\/a>, evaluate<\/em><\/a>, and value<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to judge something with respect to its worth or significance,\" rate<\/em> adds to estimate<\/em> the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values.<\/p>

\/\/ a highly rated<\/em> restaurant<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'appraise' be a better fit than 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words appraise<\/em><\/a> and rate<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, appraise<\/em> commonly implies the fixing by an expert of the monetary worth of a thing, but it may be used of any critical judgment.<\/p>

\/\/ having their house appraised<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'assess' be used to replace 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words assess<\/em><\/a> and rate<\/em> have much in common, assess<\/em> implies a critical appraisal for the purpose of understanding or interpreting, or as a guide in taking action.<\/p>

\/\/ officials are trying to assess<\/em> the damage<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'estimate' a more appropriate choice than 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of estimate<\/em><\/a> and rate<\/em> largely overlap; however, estimate<\/em> implies a judgment, considered or casual, that precedes or takes the place of actual measuring or counting or testing out.<\/p>

\/\/ estimated<\/em> the crowd at two hundred<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'evaluate' instead of 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms evaluate<\/em><\/a> and rate<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but evaluate<\/em> suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.<\/p>

\/\/ evaluate<\/em> a student's work<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do 'value' and 'appraise' relate to one another, in the sense of 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Value<\/em><\/a> equals appraise<\/em><\/a> but without implying expertness of judgment.<\/p>

\/\/ a watercolor valued<\/em> by the donor at $500<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the verb 'rate' differ from other similar words?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Some common synonyms of rate<\/em> are appraise<\/em><\/a>, assess<\/em><\/a>, estimate<\/em><\/a>, evaluate<\/em><\/a>, and value<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to judge something with respect to its worth or significance,\" rate<\/em> adds to estimate<\/em> the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values.<\/p>

\/\/ a highly rated<\/em> restaurant<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'appraise' be a better fit than 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words appraise<\/em><\/a> and rate<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, appraise<\/em> commonly implies the fixing by an expert of the monetary worth of a thing, but it may be used of any critical judgment.<\/p>

\/\/ having their house appraised<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'assess' be used to replace 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words assess<\/em><\/a> and rate<\/em> have much in common, assess<\/em> implies a critical appraisal for the purpose of understanding or interpreting, or as a guide in taking action.<\/p>

\/\/ officials are trying to assess<\/em> the damage<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'estimate' a more appropriate choice than 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of estimate<\/em><\/a> and rate<\/em> largely overlap; however, estimate<\/em> implies a judgment, considered or casual, that precedes or takes the place of actual measuring or counting or testing out.<\/p>

\/\/ estimated<\/em> the crowd at two hundred<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'evaluate' instead of 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms evaluate<\/em><\/a> and rate<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but evaluate<\/em> suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.<\/p>

\/\/ evaluate<\/em> a student's work<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do 'value' and 'appraise' relate to one another, in the sense of 'rate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Value<\/em><\/a> equals appraise<\/em><\/a> but without implying expertness of judgment.<\/p>

\/\/ a watercolor valued<\/em> by the donor at $500<\/p>" } } ] }

rate 1 of 3

noun

ˈrāt How to pronounce rate (audio)
Definition of ratenext
1
as in quality
degree of excellence not being of the first rate, these apples are usually sold as food for livestock

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in ratio
the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things the exchange rate was 10 pesos to the dollar when we visited Mexico

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rate

2 of 3

verb (1)

1
as in to deserve
to be or make worthy of (as a reward or punishment) how does a summer intern rate a new computer when I've been told to make do with this clunker?

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to estimate
to make an approximate or tentative judgment regarding nowadays most motorists would probably rate their cell phone as an "essential" piece of electronic equipment

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to rank
to take or have a certain position within a group arranged in vertical classes a restaurant that consistently rates high in all the standard categories

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to consider
to think of in a particular way I would rate her my best friend; after all, she's always been there when I needed her

Synonyms & Similar Words

rate

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings a tyrannical father who usually spent most of dinnertime rating his children on their alleged multitude of failings

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rate are appraise, assess, estimate, evaluate, and value. While all these words mean "to judge something with respect to its worth or significance," rate adds to estimate the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values.

a highly rated restaurant

When might appraise be a better fit than rate?

The words appraise and rate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When could assess be used to replace rate?

Although the words assess and rate have much in common, 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

When is estimate a more appropriate choice than rate?

The meanings of estimate and rate largely overlap; however, 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

When is it sensible to use evaluate instead of rate?

The synonyms evaluate and rate are sometimes interchangeable, but evaluate suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.

evaluate a student's work

How do value and appraise relate to one another, in the sense of rate?

Value equals appraise but without implying expertness of judgment.

a watercolor valued by the donor at $500

How does the verb rate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rate are appraise, assess, estimate, evaluate, and value. While all these words mean "to judge something with respect to its worth or significance," rate adds to estimate the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values.

a highly rated restaurant

When might appraise be a better fit than rate?

The words appraise and rate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When could assess be used to replace rate?

Although the words assess and rate have much in common, 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

When is estimate a more appropriate choice than rate?

The meanings of estimate and rate largely overlap; however, 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

When is it sensible to use evaluate instead of rate?

The synonyms evaluate and rate are sometimes interchangeable, but evaluate suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.

evaluate a student's work

How do value and appraise relate to one another, in the sense of rate?

Value equals appraise but without implying expertness of judgment.

a watercolor valued by the donor at $500

How does the verb rate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rate are appraise, assess, estimate, evaluate, and value. While all these words mean "to judge something with respect to its worth or significance," rate adds to estimate the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values.

a highly rated restaurant

When might appraise be a better fit than rate?

The words appraise and rate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When could assess be used to replace rate?

Although the words assess and rate have much in common, 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

When is estimate a more appropriate choice than rate?

The meanings of estimate and rate largely overlap; however, 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

When is it sensible to use evaluate instead of rate?

The synonyms evaluate and rate are sometimes interchangeable, but evaluate suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.

evaluate a student's work

How do value and appraise relate to one another, in the sense of rate?

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 rate
Noun
Lender competition and housing market dynamics Mortgage rates aren't determined solely by macroeconomic forces. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026 Drivers who have a DoorDash Crimson Visa Card will receive 10% cash back on gas purchases — a significant increase from the standard 2% rate. —Lauren Chapman, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
And most people know about Myeongdong Kalguksu, which is very popular because it was rated by Michelin. —Degen Pener, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026 Those who rate their current and anticipated life a 4 or lower are classified as suffering. —Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rate
  1. quality
  2. ratio
Noun
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Maxwell’s drive, commitment to quality journalism and development of intentional career goals were inspiring.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of quality
Noun
  • In the Swedish study, higher meat intake was linked to lower cholesterol levels and a lower ratio of saturated to polyunsaturated fat — factors that are closely tied to better brain health.
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Looking for a hike with one of the most rewarding steps-to-vista ratios out there?
    — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of ratio

Phrases Containing rate

Browse Nearby Words

ratchet (up)
rate
rated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rate. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rate

Nglish: Translation of rate for Spanish Speakers

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