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

Through this culture, derivative work—typically moving image and music production—is created as a collage of preexisting works and materials. — Paulo Nuno Vicenteall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026

Due diligence on income generation Complexity and costs are some of the biggest hurdles facing investors who want to dip into derivative income ETFs. — Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 23 June 2026

Noun

The yin and yang found in 21 Savage’s menacing whispers over the bass and drums, derivative of Tay Keith’s style, and his stark threats over Metro Boomin’s familiar keys create atmospheric success. — Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 20 June 2026

Bad derivatives bets helped sink insurance giant American International Group, which required a $180 billion taxpayer bailout. — Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 22 June 2026