predetermine

verb

pre·​de·​ter·​mine ˌprē-di-ˈtər-mən How to pronounce predetermine (audio)
predetermined; predetermining; predetermines

transitive verb

1
b
: to determine beforehand
2
: to impose a direction or tendency on beforehand

Examples of predetermine in a Sentence

The sex of the child is predetermined when the egg is fertilized. religious sects that believe that an individual's salvation has been predetermined by God
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And while one more game was still to play in the Super Bowl, the beating of the 49ers on their home turf shines brighter when the ensuing 52-17 result against the Buffalo Bills was all but predetermined. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2025 For those unfamiliar with the format, think of it as a sports drama where the physical performances are very real, even if the outcomes are predetermined. Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 8 Aug. 2025 Professional wrestling may have predetermined outcomes, but the risk of injury is real. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2025 Lawyers for the National TPS Alliance argue that Noem’s decisions were not based on objective analysis of conditions at home countries, but predetermined by President Donald Trump’s campaign promises and motivated by racial animus. Janie Har, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predetermine

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin praedeterminare, from Latin prae- + determinare to determine

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of predetermine was in 1601

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Predetermine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predetermine. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

predetermine

verb
pre·​de·​ter·​mine ˌprēd-i-ˈtər-mən How to pronounce predetermine (audio)
1
2
: to decide or settle beforehand
meet at a predetermined place
predetermination
-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on predetermine

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