derive

as in to understand
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information from the summit, he was able to derive his location from the position of several prominent landmarks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb derive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of derive are arise, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of derive?

Arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent.

new questions have arisen
slowly rose to prominence

When might emanate be a better fit than derive?

In some situations, the words emanate and derive are roughly equivalent. However, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How are the words flow and spring related as synonyms of derive?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When can issue be used instead of derive?

While in some cases nearly identical to derive, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When would originate be a good substitute for derive?

While the synonyms originate and derive are close in meaning, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

Where would proceed be a reasonable alternative to derive?

The synonyms proceed and derive are sometimes interchangeable, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When is it sensible to use spring instead of derive?

The words spring and derive can be used in similar contexts, but spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

When could stem be used to replace derive?

Although the words stem and derive have much in common, stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

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 derive The advanced technology and consulting company derived 98% of its $12 billion in revenue from U.S. government contracts last year, which made Booz Allen vulnerable to DOGE cuts that spooked investors and forced him to lay off 7% of its staff. Diane Brady, Fortune, 23 June 2025 Their name, derived from Latin, refers to the holes connecting the different chambers inside their often-beautiful shells. Tim Vernimmen, JSTOR Daily, 19 June 2025 In the current case, the president and his attorneys acknowledge his authority to call out the guard derives from 10 U.S., 12406 enacted in 1908. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 So much comedy in this world can be derived by riffing on and teasing our juvenile selves, and Crosley shows how to do it with savage wit as well as warmth. Brian Boone, Vulture, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for derive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derive
Verb
  • The mission’s detailed investigation of Europa will help scientists better understand the astrobiological potential for habitable worlds beyond our planet.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 June 2025
  • These powerful stellar explosions serve as cosmic lighthouses, helping astronomers measure vast cosmic distances and understand the accelerating expansion of the universe.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Always, along the chain of hectic audience gossip, there was one person who decided to nip in the bud the talk about a too iconoclastic Beckett, and the relay to the estate was stopped; someone—more than one someone—who decided that Matthew and his crazy dreams were worth shielding.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 22 June 2025
  • After a fun evening at the amusement park, the family decided to set Cade free.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • By collecting data and simulating fluids on computers, physicists have been able to infer some of turbulence’s qualities.
    Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 16 May 2025
  • Gone were the days when ovulation could be loosely inferred from intuition and a calendar—modern methods required data.
    Anonymous, Vogue, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • What’s next: The Royals conclude their weekend series against the Padres on Sunday afternoon.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025
  • In the study, scientists concluded further adaptation and the potential expansion of cropland may be needed to ensure food security and mitigate climate impacts.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • In other, arguably more significant developments, the Croat deduced that Negan had squashed the Dama’s pet rat and attacked the Saviors’ former leader with Lucille 2.0.
    Charlie Mason, TVLine, 8 June 2025
  • But analysts say the main points are easy to deduce from public statements by Mr. Putin and other Russian leaders.
    Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Derive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derive. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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