derive

verb

di-ˈrīv How to pronounce derive (audio)
Definition of derivenext
as in to understand
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information from the summit, he was able to derive his location from the position of several prominent landmarks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb derive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of derive are arise, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of derive?

Arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent.

new questions have arisen
slowly rose to prominence

When might emanate be a better fit than derive?

In some situations, the words emanate and derive are roughly equivalent. However, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How are the words flow and spring related as synonyms of derive?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When can issue be used instead of derive?

While in some cases nearly identical to derive, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When would originate be a good substitute for derive?

While the synonyms originate and derive are close in meaning, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

Where would proceed be a reasonable alternative to derive?

The synonyms proceed and derive are sometimes interchangeable, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When is it sensible to use spring instead of derive?

The words spring and derive can be used in similar contexts, but spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

When could stem be used to replace derive?

Although the words stem and derive have much in common, stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

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 derive Based on this research, the company hypothesized about what the issues are that give people trouble with these terms and concepts, though many such searches also could be conducted to clarify details or derive more information. —Russ Wiles, USA Today, 12 July 2025 The best rom-coms derive tension from the fact that such adjustment is antithetical to the development of romance. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025 Ingredients derived from Group 1 or from nature and used in cooking. —New Atlas, 10 July 2025 This gives the roots a knotty appearance from which its common name is derived. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for derive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derive
  1. understand
  2. decide
  3. infer
  4. conclude
  5. deduce
Verb
  • With millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok and Substack, the platform is positioned towards helping young people better understand the news, with regular free newsletters and podcasts.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 July 2025
  • However, the evidence is mixed; researchers think larger studies are needed to understand caffeine's influence on this condition.15 What Are the Potential Downsides of Cloud Coffee?
    — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
Definition of understand
Verb
  • But once Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) locks Superman (David Corenswet) away in a secret prison in a pocket universe, Terrific decides to help Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) find Superman.
    — Adam B. Vary, Variety, 15 July 2025
  • In 2016 Norway’s Parliament decided on a national goal that all new cars sold by 2025 should be ZEVs and the country mobilized policy to achieve that target.
    — Margo T. Oge, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of decide
Verb
  • More exotic data collection techniques may be able to help infer the underground effects based on particle and electromagnetic emissions from the site.
    — Joshua Rovner, The Conversation, 2 July 2025
  • Users may not realize their emotional state is being inferred, particularly if the AI does so passively.
    — Harshal Shah, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Definition of infer
Verb
  • Johnson concluded that the program breached a guideline on accuracy, which deals with misleading audiences.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
  • The court concluded the precise wording of the promise did not satisfy the technical requirements of a doctrine known as promissory estoppel.
    — Marianne Pizzitola, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025
Definition of conclude
Verb
  • Wallace quickly deduces that Ryan’s room is too clean — oxygen bleach must have been used, which suggests someone with forensics knowledge.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 July 2025
  • Scientists can deduce historic oxygen levels by analyzing ancient rocks (like Banded Iron Formations) because their chemical composition depend on the amount of oxygen available when they were formed.
    — David Bressan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Definition of deduce

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Derive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derive. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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