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

• advised
• considered
• deliberate
• knowing
• measured
• reasoned
• studied
• thought-out
• thoughtful
• weighed

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

This timing suggests not a spontaneous outburst, but a calculated pivot. —Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025

During his 38 years at T. Rowe, Roche used that calculated approach to help grow the company into a top investment firm, solidifying its strength through integrity and discipline. —Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 6 June 2025

The name refers to the black widow spider, whose female is known for killing the male after mating — a metaphor that underscores the cold and calculated betrayal at the heart of the case. —Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 30 May 2025

Instead, teams have to start taking more calculated risks and learn when to spend and when to wait. —Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 22 May 2025

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