deductive
adjective
de·duc·tive
di-ˈdək-tiv 
dē-
1
: of, relating to, or provable by deriving conclusions by reasoning : of, relating to, or provable by deduction (see deduction sense 2a)
deductive principles
2
: employing deduction in reasoning
conclusions based on deductive logic
deductively
adverb
Examples of deductive in a Sentence
a conclusion based on deductive reasoning
using deductive reasoning we must conclude that since everyone eventually dies, sooner or later it's going to be our turn
Recent Examples on the Web
There are logic puzzles and perspective puzzles, games of deductive reasoning and careful planning, physics toys and narrative knots.
—
Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 6 May 2025
One of his most significant contributions was introducing new mathematical tools to model and incorporate a priori data—which relies on deductive reasoning to make predictions—to address signal recovery challenges.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Oct. 2024
Sheila proves less a bumbling Watson than an observant detective wannabe, matching Holmes’ deductive powers, impressing and even — another Sherlockian surprise — emotionally attracting the steely, detached logician.
—Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2025
That extends to Watson himself, who is portrayed as a master of deductive reasoning, a swaggering know-it-all who has a genius-like understanding of human nature and the world itself.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deductive
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Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 6 May 2025
One of his most significant contributions was introducing new mathematical tools to model and incorporate a priori data—which relies on deductive reasoning to make predictions—to address signal recovery challenges.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Oct. 2024
Sheila proves less a bumbling Watson than an observant detective wannabe, matching Holmes’ deductive powers, impressing and even — another Sherlockian surprise — emotionally attracting the steely, detached logician.
—Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2025
That extends to Watson himself, who is portrayed as a master of deductive reasoning, a swaggering know-it-all who has a genius-like understanding of human nature and the world itself.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deductive
Cite this Entry
“Deductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deductive. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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