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

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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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 Sonoma County supervisors on Tuesday issued an emergency proclamation ahead of the developing El Niño season that is predicted to cause heavy rain during the winter. — Senior Editor, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 At the time of the January announcement, market watchers were already predicting how Anta could possibly help steer Puma out of its slump. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026 Other analysts are already predicting that 2027 will be the year when AI capex starts to decelerate. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 Early forecasts predict that the Panhandle could see several inches of rain later this week. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict

Verb

Mercury in your 7th House quincunxes Saturn in your private 12th, making relationships, conversations, and unspoken needs harder to read at first.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
The king-size bed had a pristine, cloud-white duvet and sheets; by the foot of it sat a lounge chair and ottoman ideal for reading.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of read

Verb

That’s because bank stocks are particularly difficult to forecast, given that their performance depends heavily on macro factors rather than information that management might have about the company.

— Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile overnight, South Korean tech titan Samsung is forecasting a record third-quarter profit of $80 billion.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of forecast

Verb

Some 5,000 actresses were considered amid months of hysterical media prognosticating on who would wear the invisible halo next.

— Michael Callahan, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker talked about focusing on the moment with Rocker and not trying to prognosticate the future for the former top pick.

— Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026

Definition of prognosticate

Verb

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned last month that Moscow is planning hybrid strikes with drones or rockets on European countries supporting Ukraine, which include Poland and Lithuania.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
Writers in ancient Mesopotamia told several versions of a story in which the gods send a catastrophic flood but warn one man, who then builds a large boat to save his family and animals.

— Eric Vanden Eykel, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of warn

Verb

Charlie Kirk's family blamed Utah officials for failing to prevent the conservative activist's assassination at a state university, in a wrongful death notice announced Wednesday that presages a possible lawsuit.

— CBS News, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
Their ’90s output handily presaged the logic of media like the shows that aired on Adult Swim, adapting the bounciness and surrealism of childhood stories to biting adult sensibilities.

— Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of presage

Verb

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions Friday, after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to South African jurist Navi Pillay, a former judge at the ICC and other international courts.

— MATTHEW LEE, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
The Dream this month announced that the team has struck a multiyear contract to host all home games at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, beginning next season.

— Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of announce

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“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predict. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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