calculation

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce calculation (audio)
Synonyms of calculationnext
1
a
: the process or an act of calculating
b
: the result of an act of calculating
2
a
: studied care in analyzing or planning
b
: cold heartless planning to promote self-interest
calculational
ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce calculation (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of calculation

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Examples of calculation in a Sentence

According to experts' calculations, that star will explode within two billion years. The computer can do millions of calculations each second. Careful calculation is required to determine the required amount of fuel. The book reveals the cold calculations that were behind the government's policies. His positions are based on political calculation of what voters want to hear.
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That calculation includes utilities like water, gas, electricity and trash fees as a housing cost, services for which the average Idahoan pays roughly $240 per month, according to a cost-of-living analysis from the online bank SoFi. — Mark Dee august 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2026 The team investigated the mechanism using in-situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 The consultant reasons by filling a notebook with calculations, then hands you a one-sentence answer, and keeps the notebook. — Adam Fish, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Those calculations are important because the technical ability to extract heat from hot rock does not automatically translate into an economically viable power plant. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for calculation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English calculacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French calculacione, borrowed from Late Latin calculātiōn-, calculātiō, from calculāre "to count, calculate" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of calculation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for calculation

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Browse Nearby Words

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calculation
calculational
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

calculation

noun
cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce calculation (audio)
1
a
: the process or an act of calculating
b
: the result obtained by calculation
2
: care in planning : caution

More from Merriam-Webster on calculation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calculation

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