Synonyms of predict

predict

verb

pri-ˈdikt 

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

• read
• anticipate
• foretell
• forecast
• prognosticate
• warn
• presage
• announce
• prophesy
• foresee
• call
• augur
• promise
• forewarn
• vaticinate
• portend
• bode
• declare
• alert
• caution
• proclaim
• forebode
• divine
• herald
• foreknow

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tell
• describe
• relate
• report
• recite
• recount
• narrate

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of predict

Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film predicted tablet-like devices and the silence of space long before any of it was known to man. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026

As predicted, that lab was only able to perform the first part of the test, using methods that were less precise than the state-of-the art technology the Texas lab offered. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026

Capital Weather Gang’s annual snowfall forecast contest saw two readers correctly predict the exact amount. —Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2026

The cancellation of the first Oklahoma show comes as extreme storms are predicted to descend upon the Tulsa area with dangerous winds and heavy downpours. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2026