calculus

noun

ˈkal-kyə-ləs How to pronounce calculus (audio)
Definition of calculusnext
as in math
the act or process of performing mathematical operations to find a value by my calculus the more efficient air conditioner will have paid for itself within a span of five years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of calculus Smith-Stewart said, describing the calculus she’s heard from artists. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 27 Aug. 2026 This is an easy entry point to discuss decision-making and risk calculus and how to properly marry playmaking artistry with situational awareness, all big-picture topics that will help shape the Bears’ season. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Conclusion The Fable and Mythos shutdown will not be the last time a government, a regulator or a vendor's own commercial calculus removes access to a model an enterprise has come to depend on. — Pawel Rzeszucinski, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 That standoff is exactly why the calculus around long-term CDs is worth revisiting now. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for calculus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calculus
  1. math
  2. calculation
  3. arithmetic
Noun
  • That’s as test scores in math and reading tanked after schools ditched textbooks in favor of screens.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • To theoretical computer scientists, the answer lies in the math of algorithms.
    — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of math
Noun
  • The calculation refers to nominal total returns, combining coupon income and changes in the bond's market price.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • And that calculation isn’t simply about the footprint of the house.
    — Luisa Yanez Updated September 3, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of calculation
Noun
  • Subsequent research actually backed him up, finding that habitual calculator use before students had internalized basic arithmetic weakened their mental fluency and fact retrieval.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The synergy requirement remains, and so does the arithmetic behind the job losses.
    — Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of arithmetic

Browse Nearby Words

calculi
calculus
calèche
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Calculus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calculus. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on calculus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calculus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All