calculating

1 of 2

adjective

cal·​cu·​lat·​ing ˈkal-kyə-ˌlā-tiŋ How to pronounce calculating (audio)
Synonyms of calculatingnext
1
: making calculations
calculating machine
2
: marked by prudent analysis or by shrewd consideration of self-interest : scheming entry 1
calculatingly
ˈkal-kyə-ˌlā-tiŋ-lē How to pronounce calculating (audio)
adverb

calculating

2 of 2

present participle of calculate

Examples of calculating in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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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

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of calculate

First Known Use

Adjective

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of calculating was in 1646

Rhymes for calculating

See All Rhymes for calculating

Browse Nearby Words

calculated risk
calculating
calculatingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Calculating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculating. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

calculating

adjective
cal·​cu·​lat·​ing ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt-iŋ How to pronounce calculating (audio)
1
: designed to make calculations
a calculating machine
2
a
: tending to plan or study things with much care and caution
b
: scheming
calculatingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on calculating

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for calculating

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