prophecy

noun

proph·​e·​cy ˈprä-fə-sē How to pronounce prophecy (audio)
variants or less commonly prophesy
plural prophecies also prophesies
Synonyms of prophecy
1
: an inspired utterance of a prophet
2
: the function or vocation of a prophet
specifically : the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose
3
: a prediction of something to come

Examples of prophecy in a Sentence

The prophecies of the author have all come true. She has the gift of prophecy.
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.
In fact, his words are about the prophecy of the Song of Ice and Fire. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026 SpaceX will officially acquire Cursor for $60 billion Just as the prophecy foretold—or maybe just as the paperwork disclosed—SpaceX will officially, finally, buy Anysphere, the parent company of the AI coding agent Cursor, for $60 billion in stock. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 17 June 2026 Fast forward to July 2024, Cypress Hill fulfilled the prophecy by joining the LSO for a one-night concert of their 1993 album, Black Sunday, at the Royal Albert Hall. Dan Snierson, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026 And while Pfeufer’s quote is not yet prophecy — the Knicks are up 2-1 over the San Antonio Spurs and still have to win two games for the NBA championship — the fan is enjoying his newfound notoriety — and the fact that his parents are impressed. Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prophecy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prophecie, prophesie, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin prophētīa, borrowed from Greek prophēteía "gift of interpreting the will of the gods, interpretation of a god's will," (New Testament) "gift of speaking, preaching and expounding scripture under the Holy Spirit's influence," from prophḗtēs prophet + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prophecy was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prophecy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prophecy. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

prophecy

noun
proph·​e·​cy ˈpräf-ə-sē How to pronounce prophecy (audio)
plural prophecies
1
: the sayings of a prophet
2
: the foretelling of the future
the gift of prophecy
3
: something foretold : prediction

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