deduction

noun

di-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce deduction (audio)
Definition of deductionnext
1
as in reduction
something that is or may be subtracted contestants get a deduction from their scores for every incorrect guess

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2
as in subtraction
the act or an instance of taking away from a total the deduction of the amount awarded to the plaintiff in order to pay the legal fees

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3
as in inference
an opinion arrived at through a process of reasoning his impressive deduction of the correct answer from only a few hints

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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 deduction Hosted by Alan Cumming, the social deduction game follows a group of contestants (who are sometimes celebrities) engaging in a Mafia or Werewolf-style game of deception. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 City has been found guilty of widespread breaches of the Premier League's financial rules which could result in punishments including a massive fine, points deductions or even expulsion from England's top flight. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026 This can result in inaccuracies in your tax return and likely missed tax deductions as well. — Vlad Rusz, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Pay supplements and expense allowances boost their earnings to about $82,000 before taxes and other deductions, according to a Miami Herald review of payroll records. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deduction
  1. reduction
  2. subtraction
  3. inference
  4. discount
  5. determination
  6. conclusion
Noun
  • On winding roads, its model-specific suspension tuning and focus on weight reduction translate into exceptional body control at speed without becoming brittle or overly rigid in slower, more technical sections.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Yet their willingness to talk, listen, and imagine what had seemed impossible helped lay the groundwork for historic nuclear arms reductions.
    — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of reduction
Noun
  • Chryssa Ntalaka’s classroom has become an object lesson in subtraction.
    — LEFTERIS PITARAKIS, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The most significant subtractions are interest on federal bonds and $24,000 pension deduction.
    — DP Opinion, Denver Post, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of subtraction
Noun
  • The company’s product information states that inference runs locally on the robot without requiring a cloud connection.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Mock-model services can simulate responses, latency, token metadata and failures without repeatedly generating real inference.
    — Pritam Debnath, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of inference
Noun
  • Both brands also offer their own home insurance policies and bundling discounts.
    — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • If Madewell’s current discounts and promotions aren’t piquing your interest, check Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Revolve, Bloomingdale’s, and Shopbop.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of discount
Noun
  • Lydia obviously provides some support, ballast and encouragement, determination for him.
    — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Any value or meaning your creative work will ever have begins with your determination to actually do it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of determination
Noun
  • Business leaders are not the only ones arriving at this conclusion.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • As officials await a conclusion to this case, the victim’s university community is left reeling.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of conclusion

Browse Nearby Words

deducting
deduction
deductions
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Cite this Entry

“Deduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deduction. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on deduction

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deduction

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