foretell

verb

fore·​tell fȯr-ˈtel 

foretold fȯr-ˈtōld  ; foretelling

transitive verb

: to tell beforehand : predict

foreteller noun

Synonyms of foretell

• 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

In another corner, an Anishinaabe weaving seems to foretell Edmonia’s ability to weave between cultures and continents. —Tyehimba Jess, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026

The origin of its logo foretold the company's future role in creating many recognizable brands. —Alexander Coolidge, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Republican candidate Clay Fuller is the favorite to win the seat vacated by former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, but an overperformance by Democrat Shawn Harris could foretell trouble for the GOP this fall in Georgia, and beyond. —Marcus Wright, Bloomberg, 7 Apr. 2026

But before Othership and Akari Sauna, the 1970 film Deep End foretold this trend in a much creepier and surrealist manner. —Air Mail, 28 Mar. 2026

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