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
1
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
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
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
Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
In fact, Britain’s Ministry of Defence, in common with other analysts, assesses Russia’s rate of advance to have been in steady decline for six months, from about 730 square kilometers captured in November last year to just 143 last month.
—Andrew Carey and Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
James Berman, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Yet the gap disappeared when professors were rated on a scale of 1 to 6.
—Troy Aidan Sambajon, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rate
Noun
Our general view on stocks has not changed, even as President Donald Trump ’s cumulative 104% tariff rate on Chinese imports — plus elevated duties on other major trading partners — went into effect at midnight.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
In fact, Britain’s Ministry of Defence, in common with other analysts, assesses Russia’s rate of advance to have been in steady decline for six months, from about 730 square kilometers captured in November last year to just 143 last month.
—Andrew Carey and Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
With yields around 5% and historical default rates tame even during severe recessions, corporate debt rated above BBB is a better deal than government bonds–with less political risk.
—James Berman, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Yet the gap disappeared when professors were rated on a scale of 1 to 6.
—Troy Aidan Sambajon, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rate
Cite this Entry
“Rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share