predictable

adjective

pre·​dict·​able pri-ˈdik-tə-bəl 

1

: capable of being predicted : able to be known, seen, or declared in advance

a predictable reaction/outcome

a very predictable plot

changes occurring at a steady and predictable rate

2

: behaving in a way that is expected

I knew he would say that. He's so predictable.

predictability

pri-ˌdik-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

By comparing the projections, meteorologists can get a measure of the weather's predictability: The less agreement among the forecasts, the less predictable the weather.

—Richard Monastersky

Examples of predictable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ritual becomes a daily anchor — something predictable, comforting, and theirs alone. —Mark Travers, CNBC, 14 Dec. 2025

Upload speeds trail fiber, but Cox provides predictable performance, no-contract options and bundling choices for TV and mobile. —Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025

One of the contributing factors to this issue is that, unlike mortgages, auto loans or student loans, which follow predictable payment schedules, credit card debt is revolving and high-interest. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025

But as soon as that early rush wears off, or things start getting serious, steady, and predictable, a serial dater often loses interest. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for predictable

• indictable
• unpredictable