foretell

1 of 2

verb

fore·​tell fȯr-ˈtel 

foretold fȯr-ˈtōld  ; foretelling

transitive verb

: to tell beforehand : predict

foreteller noun

foreteller

2 of 2

noun

fore·​tell·​er

: one that foretells : a predictor or prophet

Synonyms of foretell

Verb

• 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

Verb

We cannot foretell the future.

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

But the drama here feels too diagrammatic, foretelling a tragic fate from the first scene onward as everyone parties down like their lives depend on it. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026

What that foretells for keeping that split career ongoing into the future remains to be told. — Chris Willman, Variety, 15 May 2026

The result could foretell a turn in Democrats’ fortunes, as recent gubernatorial race polls have put the two main Republican contenders, Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, as the leaders going into the June 2 primary. — Claire Wang, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

The Guardian similarly noted more than a dozen $100,000 bets on prediction markets foretelling the February air strikes on Iran, while The New York Times last month reported 150 bets of $1,000 or more predicting the start of the war. — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foretell

• bagatelle
• calomel
• caravel
• carousel
• carrousel
• citadel
• clientele
• commonweal
• coronel
• decibel
• demoiselle
• fontanelle

Kids Definition

foretell

verb

fore·​tell fōr-ˈtel 

fȯr-

foretold -ˈtōld  ; foretelling

: to tell of or describe beforehand

foreteller noun