prediction

noun

pre·​dic·​tion pri-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce prediction (audio)
1
: an act of predicting
2
: something that is predicted : forecast

Examples of prediction in a Sentence

Journalists have begun making predictions about the winner of the coming election. Despite predictions that the store would fail, it has done very well. The figures and statistics are used for the prediction of future economic trends.
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.
Was her prediction a bit of bluster? Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025 The brokerage provides the ability to trade prediction-market contracts in the US through partnerships with Kalshi and ForecastEx, which are regulated by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025 When the fortune teller’s predictions start to materialize, once cynical Gemma is ready to take a leap of faith. Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 30 Sep. 2025 Matt Williams My bold prediction for season 49 is somebody — or a group of somebodies — is going to come up with a piece of strategy and pull it off that's going to make that Operation Italy look like third grade math. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prediction

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prediction was in 1561

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prediction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prediction. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

prediction

noun
pre·​dic·​tion pri-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce prediction (audio)
1
: an act of predicting
2
: something predicted : forecast
a prediction that there would be an earthquake
predictive
-ˈdik-tiv
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on prediction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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