as in derivative
something that naturally develops or is developed from something else
the noun is a derivation of a much earlier verb
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
-
Noyz Mylk de Parfum contains hyaluronic acid, witch hazel, sunflower seed oil, and glycerin derivatives—common hydrating and soothing agents found in skin care.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The city official said Thursday that every test run on the water supply since last Friday has come back negative for any fuel or fuel derivatives in the water.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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 10 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
