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

Speaking of which, the soundtrack also overdoses a bit on the calculated wackiness of vintage cuts by Bonzo Dog Band, the Monty Python-adjacent 1960s British novelty music act. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026

Would a front office and coaching staff backed against the wall to win now or face drastic changes be willing to execute an aggressive, calculated overhaul? —Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026

In recent years, the brand has shown a greater willingness to take calculated risks with their catalog. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2026

Of course this was a calculated power play, not a bureaucratic botch. —U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 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