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

Leaders who embrace calculated risks and foster an environment where experimentation and failure are seen as opportunities for learning build more resilient and adaptable teams. —Samantha Bergin, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

The band sees taking calculated sonic risks as pivotal to its next phase. —Paula Mejía, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2025

Likewise, China has responded to Trump’s trade war by slapping tariffs on American goods, including soybeans and pork in a calculated drive to hurt his supporters in farm country. —Paul Wiseman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025

Markle has long denied the allegations, calling them a ‘calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation’. —Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 25 Feb. 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