as in derivative
something that naturally develops or is developed from something else
the noun is a derivation of a much earlier verb
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Recent Examples of derivation
Labels want systems that can not only detect direct sample reuse but also flag stylistic derivations within generative model outputs.
—
Virginie Berger, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
And since the derivation of it was ‘100 men versus a gorilla’ ...
—Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
Look for people dressed as Jab Jab, the Grenadian devil-like figure (its name is a derivation of diable or devil in French).
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 26 May 2025
Whether numbers, systems of equations, derivations or geometric objects, everything should spring from a few basic assumptions.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for derivation
Virginie Berger, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
And since the derivation of it was ‘100 men versus a gorilla’ ...
—Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
Look for people dressed as Jab Jab, the Grenadian devil-like figure (its name is a derivation of diable or devil in French).
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 26 May 2025
Whether numbers, systems of equations, derivations or geometric objects, everything should spring from a few basic assumptions.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for derivation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derivation
Noun
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The second lawsuit, filed by Kiaran Shadowbolt in late December, is a federal derivatives complaint, an attempt to sue Firefly executives and board members on behalf of the company itself, by a shareholder.—
Paul Flahive,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
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The lotion is infused with sake to help moisturize and condition the skin, along with three types of amino acids and three vitamin derivatives to support hydration and improve texture.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Wall Street is also taking notice of the chipmaker as a derivate play of Alphabet’s growing AI dominance.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
24 Nov. 2025
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With unique enough lore and a unique style, Saxon avoids making a derivate fable.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
27 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Derivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derivation. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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