PREDICT Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'predict' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of predict are forecast , foretell , prognosticate , and prophesy . While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature. // astronomers predicted an eclipse

Q: How are the words 'forecast' and 'predict' related?

Forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties. // forecast snow

Q: Where would 'foretell' be a reasonable alternative to 'predict'?

While the synonyms foretell and predict are close in meaning, foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information. // seers foretold the calamity

Q: How does the word 'prognosticate' relate to other synonyms for 'predict'?

Prognosticate is used less often than the other words; it may suggest learned or skilled interpretation, but more often it is simply a colorful substitute for predict or prophesy . // prognosticating the future

Q: When can 'prophesy' be used instead of 'predict'?

The words prophesy and predict can be used in similar contexts, but prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises. // prophesying a new messiah

predict

verb

pri-ˈdikt

Definition of predict next

as in to read

to tell of or describe beforehand I can't even begin to predict what housing prices will be like 30 years from now

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word predict different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of predict are forecast, foretell, prognosticate, and prophesy. While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

How are the words forecast and predict related?

Forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties.

forecast snow

Where would foretell be a reasonable alternative to predict?

While the synonyms foretell and predict are close in meaning, foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

How does the word prognosticate relate to other synonyms for predict?

Prognosticate is used less often than the other words; it may suggest learned or skilled interpretation, but more often it is simply a colorful substitute for predict or prophesy.

prognosticating the future

When can prophesy be used instead of predict?

The words prophesy and predict can be used in similar contexts, but prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of predict While earthquakes cannot be predicted, California’s Earthquake Early Warning system and simple steps like Drop, Cover and Hold On can help residents prepare for future shaking. —

Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 13 June 2026 The zero-tolerance phone policy brought people together in ways even Gork and Nwaubani couldn’t have predicted. —

Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 The latest forecast predicts several marine heat waves developing as El Niño ramps up, with damaging heat reaching close to half the global ocean by the end of 2026. —

Dillon Amaya, The Conversation, 12 June 2026 The most sophisticated performance models in sports couldn’t predict what happened at Madison Square Garden on June 10. —

Chris Rosenberg, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for predict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict

Verb

Keep reading to see her favorites, including sequin pants, blazers, and multi-wear jackets.

— Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
Click here to read the details about the cases, and the Citizen Complaint Authority's related recommendations.

— Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Dec. 2025