prophecy

noun

proph·​e·​cy ˈprä-fə-sē 

variants or less commonly prophesy

plural prophecies also prophesies

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

Synonyms of prophecy

• prediction
• forecasting
• predicting
• forecast

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

This mindset may even be beneficial; having negative ideas about aging is linked to worse health outcomes, almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy. — Richard Sima, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2026

As well as this, there had already been the prophecy about his martyrdom being something cruel and slow. — Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026

The opposition to Prop 40 may in some ways be a self-fulfilling prophecy, as billionaires including Brin shift business entities out of California in favor of states without similar wealth taxes. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026

That the one child of Viserys who could see the world with any clarity has chosen to weave herself out of it is its own damning prophecy. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for prophecy

• prophesy

Kids Definition

prophecy

noun

proph·​e·​cy ˈpräf-ə-sē 

plural prophecies

1

: the sayings of a prophet

2

: the foretelling of the future

the gift of prophecy

3

: something foretold : prediction