inferential

adjective

in·​fer·​en·​tial ˌin-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce inferential (audio)
Synonyms of inferentialnext
1
: relating to, involving, or resembling inference
… suffer the angst that comes from going out on an inferential limb without the … data to support them.Henry D. Schlinger Jr.
2
: deduced or deducible by inference
inferential signs of his departure

Examples of inferential in a Sentence

there is only inferential evidence that the ancient site was used for celebrations of the summer solstice
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Your view into your characters’ thinking is, for the reader, mostly inferential. Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026 Instead, space- and ground-based telescopes use one of two inferential methods. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 1 Dec. 2025 This effort to distribute AI’s compute and ownership to all comers through swarm training enables a future reality where AI isn’t something reserved for elite power brokers while inferential dregs are grudgingly dripped to the masses. Tor Constantino, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin inferentia, from Latin inferent-, inferens, present participle of inferre

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inferential was in 1657

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inferential. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Legal Definition

inferential

adjective
in·​fer·​en·​tial ˌin-fə-ˈren-chəl How to pronounce inferential (audio)
1
: relating to, involving, or resembling inference
2
: deduced or deducible by inference
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