deduct

American  

[dih-duhkt] / dɪˈdʌkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to take away, as from a sum or amount.

   Once you deduct your expenses, there is nothing left.

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verb (used without object)

1. detract; abate (usually followed byfrom ).

   The rocky soil deducts from the value of his property.

deduct British  

/ dɪˈdʌkt /

verb

1. (tr) to take away or subtract (a number, quantity, part, etc)

   income tax is deducted from one's wages

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Related Words

See subtract.

Other Word Forms

• prededuct verb (used with object)
• undeducted adjective

Etymology

Origin of deduct

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin dēductus “brought down, withdrawn,” past participle of dēdūcere; deduce

Example Sentences

Under the new rules, that person wouldn’t be able to deduct $5,000 of their 2026 donation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Donor-advised funds make this easier, letting you deduct now and distribute later.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

Businesses with under $31 million in average annual gross receipts can deduct unamortized 2022-2024 R&D expenses on 2025 or 2026 taxes.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

Then there’s Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey’s proposal, which would let a married couple deduct the first $75,000 of income, with a proportional cut for individuals.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026

“Mrs. Kastor will deduct five points off my grade if I don’t hand my paper in by the end of first period!”

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio

Related Words

• reduce
• subtract
• withdraw
• write off