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 Their findings led them to infer hydrogen is absorbing the X-ray photons in the far-off host galaxy. —Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Feb. 2025 Instead, astronomers infer the presence of a planet, either by measuring the slight dimming of the star when the smaller body passes in front of it or the slight wobble the planet's gravity causes in the star. —Jeffrey Kluger/greenbelt, TIME, 8 Feb. 2025 Probing this critical transition using a systems biology approach, the team created a system to infer a model of the genetic network that controls cancer development, and then uses this to find a molecular switch that can reverse the process. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 The ability to infer the mental states of others is often referred to as theory of mind. —Jack Tamisiea, Scientific American, 3 Feb. 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
  • Which indicates that her tough-guy act is a front to conceal her own vulnerability.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of indicate
Verb
  • In Congress, Trump’s Tariff Pullback Sparks Relief, Frustration, and Suspicion At the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt scolded reporters for not understanding the president’s plans.
    — Time, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
  • At some point 3 to 4 billion years ago, Mars lost its atmosphere for reasons not yet fully understood, and with it, the temperate conditions that allowed liquid water to exist on its surface.
    — Jonathan O’Callaghan, JSTOR Daily, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of understand
Verb
  • Gentry implied that the growth sprang largely from American unexpectedly adding flights, which the airport is contractually obliged to accommodate, The Ledger reported.
    — Ted Reed, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The business leaders’ statement implies that the region might be in danger of losing one or both teams, but neither has threatened to leave the Kansas City area.
    — Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of imply
Verb
  • In this scenario, the Broncos get antsy with Tyler Warren still on the board and decide to move ahead of the Indianapolis Colts.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • With the 26th pick, the Rams decide to bolster their offense by adding the best available running back.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 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
  • Crucially, however, Wolff hinted the prospect of luring the Dutchman away from Red Bull remains a possibility.
    — Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Stays with both brands will soon earn Marriott Bonvoy points, and the company has hinted that more outdoorsy properties are on the horizon.
    — Mary Holland, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 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 22 Apr. 2025.

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