as in to derive
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information
we can extrapolate from past economic recessions the probable course of the current one
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Recent Examples of extrapolate
Then again, that slightly generic quality never impinges on the film’s characterizations, and allows viewers to extrapolate the finer points of this story to the plights of so many other refugees, from Syria and elsewhere.
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2026
Big data models learn by copying existing actions—how to fold clothes, write a dissertation, or create a video of a pig hoverboarding through space—by parsing previous examples and extrapolating similar behavior.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
From data on high radiation exposures, scientists extrapolate, or predict, what might happen if people are exposed to lower levels of radiation.
—Katy Huff, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2026
Upcoming Reports While college officials will be heartened by these data, they should be interpreted cautiously, particularly when extrapolating to what total applicant volume might look like by the end of the admission cycle.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extrapolate
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2026
Big data models learn by copying existing actions—how to fold clothes, write a dissertation, or create a video of a pig hoverboarding through space—by parsing previous examples and extrapolating similar behavior.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
From data on high radiation exposures, scientists extrapolate, or predict, what might happen if people are exposed to lower levels of radiation.
—Katy Huff, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2026
Upcoming Reports While college officials will be heartened by these data, they should be interpreted cautiously, particularly when extrapolating to what total applicant volume might look like by the end of the admission cycle.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extrapolate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extrapolate
Verb
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Iran derives its power from an effective intelligence service that exploits the weakness of its neighbors, a ballistic missile program that holds every country in the region at risk and a network of militia proxies.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Mar. 2026
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The formula leans on fatty acids derived from castor oil to help hydrate the scalp and reinforce each strand, creating a good foundation for volume.—
Michelle Rostamian,
Allure,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The condition isn't fully understood, as causes can range from mild to moderate head trauma, to pre-existing inner ear diseases, and treatment is confined largely to a physical therapy exercise called the Epley maneuver.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Mar. 2026
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Talarico clearly understands the task ahead.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize.—
Staff Reports,
The Providence Journal,
7 Mar. 2026
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The judge asked Bruns, the government attorney, what standards are used to decide if a reporter poses a security risk.—
Michael Kunzelman,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Large language models are extraordinarily good at inferring context clues—in this case, the user’s name, professional background, and likely objections—and tailoring output accordingly.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
3 Mar. 2026
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However, its presence can be inferred due to its gravitational effects on regular matter because dark matter is the glue that holds the universe together.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Extrapolate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extrapolate. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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