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Synonyms

crunch numbers

Idioms  

  1. Perform numerous calculations or process a large amount of numerical data. For example, Preparing John's presentation to the Federal Reserve Board required many hours of crunching numbers. This term originated with the computer age and indeed still applies mostly to the operations of computers. [Slang; second half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Production stoppages ensued as executives hurried to crunch numbers and figure out which vehicles could be made and where.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 19, 2025

While banks already use AI to crunch numbers, detect fraud and analyze customer transactions, Wall Street giants are developing more sophisticated uses of generative AI that is capable of generating text, images and other data.

From Reuters • Sep. 7, 2023

They also crunch numbers to show jobs could increase here due to the new rules if manufacturers stay put.

From Washington Times • May 7, 2023

Now that it rents capacity from Amazon Web Services, the bank can use machine learning to crunch numbers faster — and on an enormous scale — to detect anything out of the ordinary.

From New York Times • Jan. 3, 2022

His ability to crunch numbers has raised the interest of several clubs, including the Panthers, who interviewed him for their recent GM opening.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 9, 2021

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.