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 shark appeared to be tracking the warmest available zone — a calculated response to a brutally cold environment. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2026

Her look is very, very calculated. —Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026

In what may have been a calculated measure to maintain pressure on the Illinois legislature, the team’s statement stopped short of fully committing to a move to Indiana, but the framework has been put in place in the neighboring state to the east. —Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026

Becket does not spiral so much as proceed, each decision colder and more calculated than the last. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 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