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.
There’s even inductive wireless charging for the EV, a first for Porsche. — Jeremy White, Wired News, 17 Jan. 2026 The external unit powers the system with inductive charging similar to wireless phone chargers. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Nov. 2025 Using a traditional electronic device cord, the owner plugs an inductive charging plate into an outlet. — Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025 But for now, inductive charging’s costly, low-volume status will limit it to niche models and high-income adopters, McDonald says. — IEEE Spectrum, 30 Dec. 2025 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inductive. Accessed 7 Jul. 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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