inductive

adjective

in·​duc·​tive in-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce inductive (audio)
Synonyms of inductivenext
1
: of, relating to, or employing mathematical or logical induction
inductive reasoning
2
: of or relating to inductance or electrical induction
3
: introductory
4
: involving the action of an embryological organizer : tending to produce induction
5
: leading on : inducing
inductively adverb

Examples of inductive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This enables the material to store a great deal of inductive energy in a very small area. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 The adoption of an inductive argument about the future—one in which the sun always rises because the sun has always risen—has come to function as a marker of temperament. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026 Instead of directly electrically connecting the bottom of the dies to the substrate, the team tested an inductive coupling transceiver system. — IEEE Spectrum, 8 July 2026 This inductive technology replaces traditional physical plugs that are highly susceptible to corrosion and wear from saltwater and algae. — New Atlas, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for inductive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Time Traveler
The first known use of inductive was in the 15th century

Rhymes for inductive

See All Rhymes for inductive

Browse Nearby Words

induction period
inductive
inductive coupler
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Cite this Entry

“Inductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inductive. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inductive

adjective
in·​duc·​tive in-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce inductive (audio)
: relating to, using, or based on induction
inductively adverb

Medical Definition

inductive

adjective
in·​duc·​tive in-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce inductive (audio)
1
: of or relating to inductance or electrical induction
2
: involving the action of an embryological inductor : tending to produce induction
the inductive effect of chordamesoderm
inductive reactions in the embryo
inductively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inductive

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inductive

Nglish: Translation of inductive for Spanish Speakers

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