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
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
Sheila proves less a bumbling Watson than an observant detective wannabe, matching Holmes’ deductive powers, impressing and even — another Sherlockian surprise — emotionally attracting the steely, detached logician.
—
Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2025
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
Not through any kind of intuition or deductive superpower, mind you.
—Mary McNamara, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2025
Nevertheless, Shin steals most of his scenes, playing his role with a winning combination of deductive reasoning and righteous indignation.
—Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deductive
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Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2025
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
Not through any kind of intuition or deductive superpower, mind you.
—Mary McNamara, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2025
Nevertheless, Shin steals most of his scenes, playing his role with a winning combination of deductive reasoning and righteous indignation.
—Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deductive
Cite this Entry
“Deductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deductive. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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