calculated

adjective

cal·​cu·​lat·​ed ˈkal-kyə-ˌlā-təd 

1

: apt, likely

2

a

: worked out by mathematical calculation

b

: engaged in, undertaken, or displayed after reckoning or estimating the statistical probability of success or failure

a calculated risk

3

a

: planned or contrived to accomplish a purpose

b

: deliberate, intended

a calculated attempt to deceive voters

calculatedly adverb

calculatedness noun

Synonyms of calculated

• considered
• deliberate
• reasoned
• measured

Examples of calculated in a Sentence

took a calculated risk and got in on the ground floor of the new enterprise

Recent Examples on the Web

The decision to have Bad Bunny perform at this year’s halftime show was a calculated move by the NFL and Roc Nation—Jay-Z’s entertainment company that has overseen the halftime show since 2019—to capitalize on the artist’s international appeal. —Jake Angelo, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026

GMs staying back in North America for scouting trips or other business will be easily reached, too, and everyone should be in a position to have surveyed the market in a calculated fashion without the steady drumbeat of games being played each night. —Chris Johnston, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026

On these blocks, darkened by the presence of heavily armed federal agents, Minnesotans describe routine movements as calculated risks, unsure which block might erupt into confrontation. —Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026

An investor looks at the risks, looks at the rewards, and makes a calculated decision. —Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of calculate

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for calculated

• abdicated
• abrogated
• acclimated
• activated
• actuated
• adumbrated
• advocated
• aggravated
• aggregated
• agitated
• allocated
• alternated