reckon

American  

[rek-uhn] / ˈrɛk ən /

verb (used with object)

1. to count, compute, or calculate, as in number or amount.

   Synonyms:

   enumerate

2. to esteem or consider; regard as.

   to be reckoned an authority in the field.

   Synonyms:

   judge, estimate, deem, account

3. Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S. to think or suppose.

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verb (used without object)

1. to count; make a computation or calculation.

2. to settle accounts, as with a person (often followed byup ).

3. to count, depend, or rely, as in expectation (often followed byon ).

4. Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S. to think or suppose.

verb phrase

1. reckon with

   1. to include in consideration or planning; anticipate.

      He hadn't reckoned with so many obstacles.

   2. to deal with.

      I have to reckon with many problems every day.

reckon British  

/ ˈrɛkən /

verb

1. to calculate or ascertain by calculating; compute

2. (tr) to include; count as part of a set or class

   I reckon her with the angels

3. (usually passive) to consider or regard

   he is reckoned clever

4. (when tr, takes a clause as object) to think or suppose; be of the opinion

   I reckon you don't know where to go next

5. to settle accounts (with)

6. (intr; foll by with or without) to take into account or fail to take into account

   the bully reckoned without John's big brother

7. (intr; foll by on or upon) to rely or depend

   I reckon on your support in this crisis

8. slang (tr) to regard as good

   I don't reckon your chances of success

9. informal (tr) to have a high opinion of

   she was sensitive to bad reviews, even from people she did not reckon

10. of considerable importance or influence

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reckon Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing reckon

• force to be reckoned with

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Other Word Forms

• outreckon verb (used with object)
• prereckon verb (used with object)
• reckonable adjective
• underreckon verb (used with object)
• unreckon verb (used with object)
• unreckonable adjective
• unreckoned adjective

Etymology

Origin of reckon

First recorded before 1000; Middle English rekenen, Old English gerecenian “to report, pay”; cognate with German rechnen “to compute”

Example Sentences

While recent geopolitical tensions have increased short-term volatility in gold, the analysts reckon the broader environment remains supportive for the yellow metal in the medium term.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

“In this scenario, we reckon global refined product margins could approach $100 to $150 alongside $150 crude prices resulting in finished product prices that would be 200% to 300% above the prewar level.”

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

And as the virus continues to circulate, more people are being forced to reckon with a life-altering yet often invisible disability whose relative newness offers few answers for the future and few avenues for support.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

"We reckon we'll have forked out an extra £12,000 by the time we leave," Andrea says.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

“I reckon it just dissolves,” said I, gathering up the rats on a pitchfork.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Related Words

• calculate
• look upon
• take account of