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

• inferable
• derivable
• inferential
• reasoned

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

Teach the difference between deductive, inductive and abductive thinking and the proper use of all three. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

This marble run nurtures engineering skills and promotes deductive reasoning, logical thinking and problem-solving. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025

No surprise that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would look to Poe and his detective C. Auguste Dupin when creating the equally deductive Holmes. —Betsy Golden Kellem, JSTOR Daily, 30 July 2025

The structure of her show also gives her a deductive spotlight scene (or three) in every episode. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 24 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see deduct

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing deductive

• hypothetico-deductive

Rhymes for deductive

• abductive
• conductive
• constructive
• destructive
• inductive
• instructive
• obstructive
• productive
• reductive
• seductive
• counterproductive
• photoconductive