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
Synonyms
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
Wonder Workshop’s Dash the Coding Robot offers a simple introduction to robotics, deductive reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical thought processes.
—
Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 29 Oct. 2023
He’s been played by everybody from Tony Randall to John Malkovich; Peter Ustinov portrayed the deductive sleuth six times, and David Suchet has made a career out of gifting TV viewers with the definitive take on Christie’s murder-mystery icon.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2023
As Jersey Lily begins, Holmes is desperate for a challenge worthy of his deductive gifts.
—Chris Vognar, Chron, 27 Apr. 2023
The second approach is to combine deep learning with symbolic AI, using inductive, deductive and abductive reasoning based on experiential data.
—Calum Chace, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2023
A lot of people in the banking industry who’ve seen that study continue to latch on to this very deductive approach.
—Adam Blue, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2022
The Enlightenment and all of its hallmarks—the scientific method, deductive reasoning, a willingness to question authority and established truth—rely on investigative searches for the truth.
—Matt Ford, The New Republic, 3 Mar. 2023
The emphasis in convergent thinking is on analytical and deductive reasoning, such as that measured in IQ tests.
—David Pearson, Discover Magazine, 21 Apr. 2016
He’s got the powers of observation and deductive reasoning!
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2020
See More
Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 29 Oct. 2023
He’s been played by everybody from Tony Randall to John Malkovich; Peter Ustinov portrayed the deductive sleuth six times, and David Suchet has made a career out of gifting TV viewers with the definitive take on Christie’s murder-mystery icon.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2023
As Jersey Lily begins, Holmes is desperate for a challenge worthy of his deductive gifts.
—Chris Vognar, Chron, 27 Apr. 2023
The second approach is to combine deep learning with symbolic AI, using inductive, deductive and abductive reasoning based on experiential data.
—Calum Chace, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2023
A lot of people in the banking industry who’ve seen that study continue to latch on to this very deductive approach.
—Adam Blue, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2022
The Enlightenment and all of its hallmarks—the scientific method, deductive reasoning, a willingness to question authority and established truth—rely on investigative searches for the truth.
—Matt Ford, The New Republic, 3 Mar. 2023
The emphasis in convergent thinking is on analytical and deductive reasoning, such as that measured in IQ tests.
—David Pearson, Discover Magazine, 21 Apr. 2016
He’s got the powers of observation and deductive reasoning!
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2020
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deductive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Phrases Containing deductive
Articles Related to deductive
Dictionary Entries Near deductive
Cite this Entry
“Deductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deductive. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
More from Merriam-Webster on deductive
Britannica English: Translation of deductive for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share