Synonyms of derivative

derivative 1 of 2

adjective

as in secondary

taken or created from something original or basic

a derivative style taken from earlier painters

Synonyms & Similar Words

• secondary
• secondhand
• unoriginal
• resultant
• consequent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• original
• basic
• fundamental
• first
• nonderivative
• primary

derivative

2 of 2

noun

di-ˈri-və-tiv 

as in derivation

something that naturally develops or is developed from something else

the whole field of industrial robots is a derivative of technology developed for the space program

Synonyms & Similar Words

• derivation
• derivate
• product
• descendant
• result
• by-product
• offshoot
• outgrowth
• reproduction
• spin-off
• consequence
• outcome
• sequel
• copy
• development
• sequence
• growth
• corollary
• aftermath
• fruit
• upshot
• denouement
• issue
• side effect
• duplicate
• repercussion
• facsimile
• replica
• aftereffect

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• source
• origin
• root
• prototype
• cause
• original
• reason
• archetype
• occasion
• determinant
• antecedent

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of derivative

Adjective

Gifford believes the results bear on the legal question of whether models’ outputs are merely derivative works, with implications for copyright. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Its derivative rankings make the same point from another angle. — Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Noun

Prediction market operators face conflicting rulings in federal court over whether sports event contracts are financial derivatives regulated exclusively by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or gambling products that states can regulate. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026

Of course, the vitamin A derivative—which speeds up cellular turnover to reveal fresher-looking skin— has been known to irritate some skin types. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026