deduction

Noun

deduction (countable and uncountable, plural deductions)

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

   Synonyms:

   extract, reduction, cut, decrement, 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.
   2. A sum withheld from an employee's pay for the purpose of paying tax.
2. A conclusion; that which is deduced, concluded or figured out.
   • 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 Minister's policy is "try, try again"—or should one say "fight, fight, fight again".1961 January, “Talking of Trains: Marples out of step”, in Trains Illustrated, page 1

   Synonyms:

   ergotism, illation, verdict, award, censure, choice, opinion, conclusion, decision, determination

   Antonyms:

   induction

3. 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