derivative 1 of 2

Definition of derivativenext
as in secondary
taken or created from something original or basic a derivative style taken from earlier painters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

derivative

2 of 2

noun

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 derivative
Adjective
Instead, text produced by large language models, however remarkable, sophisticated, and even occasionally wondrous, is derivative, average, predictable. Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 18 May 2026 That is why smart money shifts toward derivative markets. Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
Noun
His response at Lossdog is structurally identical, applied to a portfolio rather than a derivatives position. Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026 The lion’s share of crypto derivatives transactions remain on overseas bourses like Binance and Hyperliquid. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for derivative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derivative
Adjective
  • From knitting cruises under the Northern Lights to macramé retreats in Montenegro, the craft itself becomes the reason for travel, with sightseeing secondary.
    Annita Katee, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • With Garrett poised to dominate on defense, a fortified secondary and Matthew Stafford under center, the Rams are looking strong to win a Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium in February.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • The token is a reference rather than a derivation of the data.
    Ed Leavens, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • Five years after he was killed, in response to political unrest, the government increased the derivation fund to 13 percent for oil-producing states.
    Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • While Apple shares were up more than 4% in trading Friday, all of the derivate plays were trading in the red.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 1 May 2026
  • With unique enough lore and a unique style, Saxon avoids making a derivate fable.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Derivative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derivative. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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