deduction

Noun

1. That which is deducted; that which is subtracted or removed.
   • Near-synonyms: extract, reduction; see also Thesaurus:decrement

   Synonyms: extract reduction cut decrement deduction dip drop extraction fall lowering shrinkage

   1. A sum that can be removed in tax calculations, usually from the taxable amount; something that is written off.

      • standard deduction
      • You might want to donate the old junk and just take the deduction.

      Synonyms: extract reduction cut decrement deduction dip drop extraction fall lowering shrinkage

      Coordinate Terms: tax credit

   2. (law, finance) A sum withheld from an employee's pay for the purpose of paying tax.

      Synonyms: extract reduction cut decrement deduction dip drop extraction fall lowering shrinkage

2. A process of reasoning that moves from the general to the specific, in which a conclusion follows necessarily from the premises presented, so that the conclusion cannot be false if the premises are true.
   • He arrived at the deduction that the butler didn't do it.
   • An unkinder deduction, considering only the Select Committee's report and discounting rumours of wayward conclusions by the Stedeford Group, would be that if one inquisition doesn't produce the desired answers, the...

   Synonyms: ergotism illation verdict award censure choice conclusion decision deduction determination inference judgement/judgment mind opinion result sight take view

   Antonyms: induction

   1. A conclusion; that which is deduced, concluded or figured out.

   2. The ability or skill to deduce or figure out; the power of reason

      • Through his powers of deduction, he realized that the plan would never work.

      Antonyms: induction