foretell

verb

fore·​tell fȯr-ˈtel 

foretold fȯr-ˈtōld  ; foretelling

transitive verb

: to tell beforehand : predict

foreteller noun

Synonyms

• predict

Choose the Right Synonym for foretell

foretell, predict, forecast, prophesy, prognosticate mean to tell beforehand.

foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

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

forecast snow

prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

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

Examples of foretell in a Sentence

We cannot foretell the future.

a 16th-century astrologer who, some claim, accurately foretold 20th-century events

Recent Examples on the Web

The overall unemployment rate of 4.2% continued to hover near a historically low level, but unemployment rose among Black workers, which can foretell job losses among other groups. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2025

When Pharaoh ordered all of the newborn males of his kingdom and surrounding area to be killed, as explained in the Book of Exodus, his trusted advisors warned him of a foretelling prophecy in the stars that a newborn Hebrew male would stifle the power of Pharaoh. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025

In this story, reporters Angela Yang and Bruna Horvath explain how Mamdani’s social media presence foretold his apparent primary victory. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 27 June 2025

Cassandra is a Greek mythological figure who can foretell the future, but is cursed to have no one ever believe her. —Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foretell

• bagatelle
• caravel
• carousel
• carrousel
• citadel
• clientele
• commonweal
• decibel
• demoiselle
• fontanelle
• infidel
• isabel

Kids Definition

foretell

verb

fore·​tell fōr-ˈtel 

fȯr-

foretold -ˈtōld  ; foretelling

: to tell of or describe beforehand

foreteller noun