reckoning

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

Synonyms of reckoning

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Examples of reckoning in a Sentence

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.
This is where Savaiinaea’s mental reckoning could save his job as well as the Dolphins’ offensive line. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026 But the recording of the Microsoft meeting, along with internal documents reviewed by ProPublica, suggest the day of cyber reckoning may already be here. — Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 29 July 2026 Although this performance does dip into a reckoning with her more basic shadow self, Cohen brings Broad Strokes to its conclusion briskly and with minimal bathos. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 28 July 2026 Without prompting Tuesday, Brooks revisited the subject in the way of public reckoning. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reckoning

Word History

First Known Use

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 6 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on reckoning

Nglish: Translation of reckoning for Spanish Speakers

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