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

It’s also helped that the rest of the blue line has had more freedom to take calculated risks and join plays on offence, which has allowed the club to generate scoring chances at a healthy rate recently. —Harman Dayal, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

Leaders in any field can learn from their ability to anticipate needs before they are recognized, challenge assumptions, and embrace calculated risks. —Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Even the appointment of the unqualified and potentially dangerous Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a position of influence as Secretary of Health and Human Services seems a calculated move. —Alexis Coe, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025

The latest travel trend, known as check-in chicken, is just that, as ambitious travelers take a calculated gamble, delaying checking in for their flight until the last possible minute in an attempt to get the best possible seat without paying extra fees or having airline status. —Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 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