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.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This signals that corporate tax is about more than tax calculations. — Alia Noor, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Like Allen, Kober framed his decision to self-submit as a matter of conviction rather than calculation. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 July 2026 This year’s payroll tax applies to only $184,500 in wages because no more than that amount can count toward one’s future benefit calculations. — Jessica Riedl, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026 Quantum circuits handled the parts of the calculations best suited for quantum hardware, while conventional computing completed the remaining tasks. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 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

calculating punch
calculation
calculational
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Cite this Entry

“Calculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculation. Accessed 10 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of calculation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calculation

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