1
as in shrewd
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Dissimilar Words
2
as in cunning
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Dissimilar Words
1
as in figuring
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
2
as in estimating
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in planning
to work out the details of (something) in advance
calculated the best route to take to the coast
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4
as in intending
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
I calculate to run a marathon from start to finish—even if it kills me
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5
as in relying
to place reliance or trust
we know we can calculate on you following through, whatever the assignment
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of calculating
Rebekah Frumkin, Washington Post, 6 Sep. 2019
And experts believe that his intuitive style could throw the more calculating Caruana, who has faced time crunches already in this championship, off-balance.
—Joshua Robinson, WSJ, 27 Nov. 2018
Alma Rota, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
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
The stories focused on portraying her as a calculating social climber who only pursued the president’s oldest son to gain access to his wealth, power and celebrity, the Daily Mail also said.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 11 June 2026
The judge found that Energy Transfer’s contribution was a gift and subtracted the $10 million already paid by the federal government when calculating the nearly $28 million award.
—ABC News, 11 June 2026
Nursing home operators argued the state failed to properly account for the medical complexity of residents when calculating those payments, reducing reimbursement for facilities caring for some of the sickest patients.
—Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
Tiny silica beads about 10 microns in diameter are projected at the polymer at about 750 meters per second (over 1,600 miles per hour) with the amount of energy absorbed measured by calculating the change in particle velocity before and after the beads pass through.
—Shirl Leigh
june 10, New Atlas, 10 June 2026
The plans above do not take a borrower's income into account when calculating a monthly payment.
—Cory Turner, NPR, 10 June 2026
Researchers can control multiple signals at the same time by precisely calculating how the internal plastic shapes interact with electromagnetic fields.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
Adjective
Even Alex becomes too entangled in her students’ dealings and ends up suffering at the hands of one of the more calculating boys.
—Rebekah Frumkin, Washington Post, 6 Sep. 2019
And experts believe that his intuitive style could throw the more calculating Caruana, who has faced time crunches already in this championship, off-balance.
—Joshua Robinson, WSJ, 27 Nov. 2018
Verb
Algorithms are very good at calculating what is most likely to come next.
—Alma Rota, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
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
The stories focused on portraying her as a calculating social climber who only pursued the president’s oldest son to gain access to his wealth, power and celebrity, the Daily Mail also said.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 11 June 2026
The judge found that Energy Transfer’s contribution was a gift and subtracted the $10 million already paid by the federal government when calculating the nearly $28 million award.
—ABC News, 11 June 2026
Nursing home operators argued the state failed to properly account for the medical complexity of residents when calculating those payments, reducing reimbursement for facilities caring for some of the sickest patients.
—Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
Tiny silica beads about 10 microns in diameter are projected at the polymer at about 750 meters per second (over 1,600 miles per hour) with the amount of energy absorbed measured by calculating the change in particle velocity before and after the beads pass through.
—Shirl Leigh
june 10, New Atlas, 10 June 2026
The plans above do not take a borrower's income into account when calculating a monthly payment.
—Cory Turner, NPR, 10 June 2026
Researchers can control multiple signals at the same time by precisely calculating how the internal plastic shapes interact with electromagnetic fields.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calculating
Adjective
-
But even here, Wilde’s stylistic choices can veer from shrewd to overly studied.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 June 2026
-
The money mega-booster Cody Campbell and company spent for their suddenly elite defensive line, led by David Bailey, proved to be a shrewd investment.—
Bruce Feldman,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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Daemon is one of the most clever, cunning and conniving characters in House of the Dragon, who always seems to have the upper hand.—
Skyler Trepel,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
-
Under this light, Penelope emerges as exemplary, cunning, wounded, and trapped by the male order that praises her.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
Verb
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Warsh may be figuring that by the end of summer, the prices of gasoline and other energy products will drop much further.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
23 June 2026
-
When figuring income, be careful with Social Security benefits.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Verb
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The facilities also contribute to fossil fuel emissions, with Cornell University researchers estimating last year that AI growth could add 24 to 44 million metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere annually by 2030.—
Katie King,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
-
This year’s projection is a little more precise, estimating that the trust fund will last until the fourth quarter of 2032.—
Bob Carlson,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Now, supporters are planning to speak out at an Alameda School Board meeting, hoping to reverse the decision or at least get answers.—
Brad Hamilton,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
-
Turkey is planning strict security measures for the summit, including banning demonstrations and restricting access to roads leading to airports, as well as sealing off areas around the summit venue and hotels hosting delegations.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 June 2026
Verb
-
Joumaa, a Lebanese journalist, first met Khalil intending to do a story on her.—
Jane Arraf,
NPR,
21 June 2026
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For those intending to bring a touch of softness and polish to a room, this mohair pillow brings a tactile quality.—
Jacorey Moon,
Architectural Digest,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The criminal case alleges Devastating Pyrotechnics founder Chee and his associates continued operating despite being ineligible for a federal explosives permit, relying on associates to obtain licenses while importing and repackaging fireworks from overseas.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
23 June 2026
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Wallach added that the most likely legal fallout would come from private civil lawsuits, brought by bettors who lost money after relying on Polymarket’s misleading marketing.—
Camila Grigera Naón,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Adjective
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After a reporter asked on Thursday, June 11 about Kelce’s progress during minicamp and if the coach was going to the upcoming wedding, Reid was cagey.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
-
Expect a slightly cagier affair in the final.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Calculating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calculating. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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