reckoning

1 of 2

noun

reck·​on·​ing ˈre-kə-niŋ How to pronounce reckoning (audio)
ˈrek-niŋ
Synonyms of reckoning
1
: the act or an instance of reckoning: such as
a
: account, bill
b
: computation
c
: calculation of a ship's position
2
: a settling of accounts
day of reckoning
3
: a summing up

reckoning

2 of 2

present participle of reckon

Synonyms of reckoning

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Noun

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Examples of reckoning in a Sentence

Noun I was more than $10 off in my reckoning. When the day of reckoning comes, we will have to face some unpleasant truths. Our football team hardly comes into the reckoning. Because of his injury, he is out of the reckoning. The team is still in the reckoning.
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.
Noun
For Israa the decision involved a reckoning with the opportunities afforded in Germany but a lingering sense that true fulfillment might be found back home. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 The mood of public and institutional reckoning is unsettling to some in the ranks of Fidesz. — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Aug. 2026 This reckoning between mother and son will forever change the meaning of their relationship. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Meta’s child-safety reckoning has drawn plenty of comparisons to Big Tobacco, but cigarettes were never designed to learn what each smoker wanted next. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reckoning

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reckoning was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing reckoning

Rhymes for reckoning

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Browse Nearby Words

reckoner
reckoning
reckon on
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Cite this Entry

“Reckoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reckoning. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reckoning

noun
reck·​on·​ing
1
: the act or an instance of calculating
2
: a settling of accounts
day of reckoning
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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