deduce

as in to derive
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information I can deduce from the simple observation of your behavior that you're trying to hide something from me

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word deduce distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of deduce are conclude, gather, infer, and judge. While all these words mean "to arrive at a mental conclusion," deduce often adds to infer the special implication of drawing a particular inference from a generalization.

denied we could deduce anything important from human mortality

Where would conclude be a reasonable alternative to deduce?

The words conclude and deduce can be used in similar contexts, but conclude implies arriving at a necessary inference at the end of a chain of reasoning.

concluded that only the accused could be guilty

When can gather be used instead of deduce?

The words gather and deduce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gather suggests an intuitive forming of a conclusion from implications.

gathered their desire to be alone without a word

When could infer be used to replace deduce?

While the synonyms infer and deduce are close in meaning, infer implies arriving at a conclusion by reasoning from evidence; if the evidence is slight, the term comes close to surmise.

from that remark, I inferred that they knew each other

When is judge a more appropriate choice than deduce?

While in some cases nearly identical to deduce, judge stresses a weighing of the evidence on which a conclusion is based.

judge people by their actions

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 deduce Alienware’s simulations deduced that this was the most effective way to move cool air into the system and push hot air out as quickly as possible—even more efficient than including a rear outward-facing exhaust fan. PC Magazine, 12 Apr. 2025 Again, Two Spears deduces the facts — that the priest must have killed the girl’s father before the girl killed the priest in self-defense. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025 Unlike most scholars who relied on completely intact skeletons to deduce the movement patterns of ancient mammals, this study is one of the first to rely on minute fragmentary bones in tracking alterations within a community of mammals over a stretch of time. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 2 Apr. 2025 Tennis players are deduced, disadvantaged, deserved, and defaulted. Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deduce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deduce
Verb
  • With a nod to Indigenous science, Sweat says principles of holistic and ancient Ayurvedic medicine, which originated in India and is also practiced in many Latin American countries, will be utilized in teaching, including the use of products mainly derived from plants.
    Stephanie Stephens, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The nuanced feedback and emotional resonance derived from physical interaction remain a critical component of the evaluation process.
    Alex Levin, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Long train trips were designed for those who understand the old adage of appreciating the journey, not just the destination.
    Ellen Carpenter, AFAR Media, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Trump administration takes aim at climate change The Trump administration is continuing to pursue its pledge to prioritize American energy independence and scale back the federal government's plans to understand and prevent climate change.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After years of struggling with symptoms and no relief, despite doing everything her medical team recommended, Cecilia decided to find a new care team.
    Korin Miller, Flow Space, 23 Apr. 2025
  • However Republicans decide to handle them, legislative experts say that’s where their attention will be focused.
    Aris Folley, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Such images may infer that the director is deconstructing his work in one medium with another, but there was nothing so intentional on his mind.
    Bob Strauss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The utility of this recording does not come just from what the pilots might say; the sound of a stall warning indicator or landing gear retraction or engine noise could each allow investigators to infer things about the flight's last moments.
    Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deduce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deduce. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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