infer

verb

in-ˈfər How to pronounce infer (audio)
Definition of infernext
1
as in to derive
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information he inferred that she had left because her coat was gone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to indicate
to convey an idea indirectly the results infer that there might be a problem with one piece of the equipment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word infer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of infer are conclude, deduce, gather, and judge. While all these words mean "to arrive at a mental conclusion," 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

Where would conclude be a reasonable alternative to infer?

In some situations, the words conclude and infer are roughly equivalent. However, conclude implies arriving at a necessary inference at the end of a chain of reasoning.

concluded that only the accused could be guilty

How are the words deduce and infer related?

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

When is gather a more appropriate choice than infer?

While the synonyms gather and infer are close in meaning, gather suggests an intuitive forming of a conclusion from implications.

gathered their desire to be alone without a word

In what contexts can judge take the place of infer?

The synonyms judge and infer are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 infer Protagonists within Self’s artistic world are often displayed in liminal places to infer a particular emotional or mental state. —Essence, 25 Mar. 2025 Employers will be prohibited from using ADS to infer sensitive characteristics, including criminal history, immigration status, gender identity, political beliefs, and creditworthiness. —Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 By measuring this effect, scientists can begin to infer how invisible dark matter is affecting galaxies through its gravitational influence. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025 In their study, the researchers analyzed the complete genetic sequences of more than 1000 modern humans, rather than DNA extracted from ancient bones, allowing the team to infer the presence of ancestral populations that would have otherwise left no physical traces. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infer
  1. derive
  2. indicate
  3. understand
  4. imply
  5. decide
  6. suggest
  7. hint
Verb
  • Streaming activity fuels almost all of Deep Thoughts’ first week, with 63,000 units deriving from the sector, equaling 85.9 million official on-demand U.S. audio and video streams of the album’s songs.
    — Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This classic name derives from Louis, but was also popularized by Louisa May Alcott.
    — Lydia Wang, Parents, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of derive
Verb
  • As of last May, filings with the state of Texas indicated that 78% of CFP Administration LLC’s ownership was held in equal 15.6% shares by the Big Ten, ACC, SEC, Big 12 and Pac-12.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The affidavit indicates that officials believe the name is an alias.
    — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of indicate
Verb
  • And like Bell, my bandmates and I understood why other artists were continuing to cancel their performances.
    — Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • IndieWire understands the festival was waiting to confirm Denzel Washington’s attendance, and indeed the star will be at Cannes.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of understand
Verb
  • This implies a poor Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 64.7% (vs. 19.0% for S&P 500).
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Everything’s only implied or suggested, as if the show is unwilling to make a direct statement regarding Simms and Phillips’ relationship.
    — Barry Levitt, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of imply
Verb
  • Then President Nayib Bukele decided enough was enough.
    — Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Some tourists stumbled upon the skinny discount at Chiang Mai Breakfast World and decided to try it, as shown in a pair of Instagram videos that have since gone viral.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of decide
Verb
  • Meantime, hopes for a China- U.S. trade deal resurfaced after the American president suggested on Thursday that duties on Chinese imports may have peaked.
    — Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • On Tuesday, reports from China suggested that the country was mulling a ban or a reduction on the number of Hollywood films.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of suggest
Verb
  • European leaders have hinted that retaliation could target Big Tech firms.
    — Ece Yildirim, Quartz, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Some research in mice and cultured cells hint that microplastics have the potential to cause damage, and epidemiological research suggests that microplastics are associated with respiratory, digestive, and reproductive issues, as well as colon and lung cancer.
    — Hannah Seo, The Atlantic, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of hint

Browse Nearby Words

infelicity
infer
inferable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Infer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infer. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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