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

His tales of Sherlock Holmes didn’t always present enough clues for readers—who could hardly be expected to compete with the brilliant detective—to deduce the solution on their own.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

So what can we deduce from all of this?

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2025

If we received such a message we would deduce a civilization out there that was at least fond of prime numbers.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

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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