deductive
adjective
de·duc·tive
di-ˈdək-tiv 
dē-
1
: of, relating to, or provable by deriving conclusions by reasoning : of, relating to, or provable by deduction (see deduction sense 2a)
deductive principles
2
: employing deduction in reasoning
conclusions based on deductive logic
deductively
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of deductive in a Sentence
a conclusion based on deductive reasoning
using deductive reasoning we must conclude that since everyone eventually dies, sooner or later it's going to be our turn
Recent Examples on the Web
That extends to Watson himself, who is portrayed as a master of deductive reasoning, a swaggering know-it-all who has a genius-like understanding of human nature and the world itself.
—
Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
Although Pinker writes as a scientist, his approach in this book is discursive rather than deductive, charmingly but not quite persuasively advancing his ex cathedra views about life in general.
—Timothy Snyder, Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2011
Tang Ren’s histrionic, oftentimes scatological behavior is offset by Qin Feng’s almost superhuman intuition, and director Chen Sicheng has repeatedly doffed his cap to the BBC’s hugely successful series Sherlock, not least in the vivid visualisations of Holmes’ deductive reasoning.
—James Marsh, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025
Not through any kind of intuition or deductive superpower, mind you.
—Mary McNamara, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deductive 
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.
Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
Although Pinker writes as a scientist, his approach in this book is discursive rather than deductive, charmingly but not quite persuasively advancing his ex cathedra views about life in general.
—Timothy Snyder, Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2011
Tang Ren’s histrionic, oftentimes scatological behavior is offset by Qin Feng’s almost superhuman intuition, and director Chen Sicheng has repeatedly doffed his cap to the BBC’s hugely successful series Sherlock, not least in the vivid visualisations of Holmes’ deductive reasoning.
—James Marsh, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025
Not through any kind of intuition or deductive superpower, mind you.
—Mary McNamara, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deductive
Articles Related to deductive
Dictionary Entries Near deductive
Cite this Entry
“Deductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deductive. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share