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

Then two were the derivative stuff, like Colbert Before Air and Desi Lydic Foxsplains and then the other three were original, they’re not based off of anything else. — Peter White, Deadline, 8 July 2026

That’s like a derivative content conversation. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 25 June 2026

Noun

The judges found her design derivative, especially Nina Garcia. — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 15 July 2026

Sugar alcohols are derivatives of sugar that have been chemically changed. — Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 10 July 2026