Definitions

deduce

[dih-doos, -dyoos] / dɪˈdus, -ˈdyus /

VERB

figure out, understand

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deduct glean infer presuppose surmise

STRONG

analyze assume cogitate collect conceive conclude consider deem derive draw fancy figure gather imagine judge make presume ratiocinate reason regard

WEAK

add up be afraid boil down have a hunch make out read into take to mean

Antonyms

STRONG

destroy disbelieve disperse disregard distribute divide ignore leave misunderstand not believe reject scatter

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Don’t waste one brain cell trying to deduce the assassin.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

The WHO was trying to deduce how hantavirus had appeared on the ship, with the first person who died having developed symptoms on April 6.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

As one might deduce, “Young Sherlock” is fun enough, though for reasons visual rather than strictly narrative.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Rationalists—like lawyers relying on “common sense” reasoning—believe we can deduce truth from first principles.

From Slate • Sep. 26, 2025

Thus if the crux of the problem was to deduce an unusually clever arrangement of inorganic ions and phosphate groups, we were clearly at a disadvantage.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

Vocabulary lists containing deduce

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Lead the Way: Duc and Duct

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