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
This reckoning between mother and son will forever change the meaning of their relationship. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 But—as Tesla CEO Elon Musk pointed out in an X post last week—the timing of efficiencies coming to fruition, and a debt reckoning, will be close. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 Newcastle caved at the last reckoning, spent in desperation and laboured in the Premier League, finishing 12th. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Bangladesh’s garment industry may be months—not years—away from its next minimum-wage reckoning. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 24 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 1 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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