1
as in to compute
to determine (a value) by doing the necessary mathematical operations
the family has been calculating what a week at the beach resort would end up costing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to estimate
to decide the size, amount, number, or distance of (something) without actual measurement
I calculate that this job will take another two days to finish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to prepare
to work out the details of (something) in advance
calculated the best route to take to the coast
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to intend
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
I calculate to run a marathon from start to finish—even if it kills me
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to rely
to place reliance or trust
we know we can calculate on you following through, whatever the assignment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of calculate
When calculating the age of a mature tree, the rule of thumb is to measure its circumference at chest level.
—
Theodore R. Johnson, Washington Post, 17 June 2026
For instance, the 2025 Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative caucus in the House of Representatives, proposed changing the formula that calculates a worker's benefits by reducing the amount for younger, high-income workers.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 17 June 2026
In March last year, a Google quantum executive told CNBC the technology is only five years away from running practical applications that can't be calculated on modern computers.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 17 June 2026
The administration appears to have calculated that spending on defense instead of domestic programs is a necessary trade-off.
—Nancy A. Youssef, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for calculate
Theodore R. Johnson, Washington Post, 17 June 2026
For instance, the 2025 Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative caucus in the House of Representatives, proposed changing the formula that calculates a worker's benefits by reducing the amount for younger, high-income workers.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 17 June 2026
In March last year, a Google quantum executive told CNBC the technology is only five years away from running practical applications that can't be calculated on modern computers.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 17 June 2026
The administration appears to have calculated that spending on defense instead of domestic programs is a necessary trade-off.
—Nancy A. Youssef, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for calculate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calculate
Verb
-
Moody's cautioned in January that capital spending on computing power was outpacing the revenue growth from AI applications.—
Dara-Abasi Ita,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
Just as brains use synapses—the links connecting neurons—to help them both compute and store data, neuromorphic devices often combine both operations.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
The events are expected to draw hundreds of thousands to the city over the next two months, officials estimate.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
-
Orozco estimated that the nearby fire had caused sales to drop by 70% over the past week.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
Verb
-
While park conditions can often be dangerous, from high heat to landslides, the key to a safe national park visit is being well-informed and prepared.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
-
After Alicent’s misunderstanding — which leads to Aegon II claiming the throne — Rhaenyra prepares for war and gathers allies to fight for her rightful claim to the throne.—
Skyler Trepel,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
Key to watch for will be how a new government intends to tackle Britain's debt burden and revive sluggish growth without driving borrowing costs even higher.—
Gail Krishnan,
CNBC,
23 June 2026
-
While these drugs can be life-changing for many people, they are not always intended to be permanent.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
Verb
-
The lawsuit notes that LeVota’s credit plan relies directly on pulling money back that had already been distributed to school districts — the same criticism identified by the dozen school districts behind the open letter.—
Ilana Arougheti
June 22,
Kansas City Star,
22 June 2026
-
Additionally, relying on gelatin as a dietary staple comes with nutritional risks.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
Legal steps necessary to make Orlando the capital of Florida are so simple, in fact, that any one can figure them out.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2026
-
John’s problem, his brother figured, was a lack of direction.—
Matthew Blackwell,
Pitchfork,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
And guess what's going to end up happening?—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
Ujal Thakor was first to the buzzer, incorrectly guessing Tennessee.—
Louis Peitzman,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Under Cooper’s order, the center’s managers plan to meet with the board in mid-July to vote on how to move forward on construction, according to a Justice Department filing June 19.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
-
Addie Richardson, who works at a mobility store located along Southwest 10th Street, said her business plans to leave the corridor when its lease expires later this year.—
Joan Murray,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Calculate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calculate. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
