predetermine

verb

pre·​de·​ter·​mine ˌprē-di-ˈtər-mən 

predetermined; predetermining; predetermines

transitive verb

1

a

: foreordain, predestine

b

: to determine beforehand

2

: to impose a direction or tendency on beforehand

Synonyms of predetermine

• destine
• ordain
• doom

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

Now, so much is on contract and predetermined. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Feb. 2026

For more than a decade, families have raised concerns about course materials that frame America’s global role in a consistently lopsided way or assign students predetermined conclusions about controversial topics. —Robert Casper, Boston Herald, 24 Feb. 2026

Republican candidates, while receiving less convention coverage, maintain substantial voter support, with polling showing Republicans collectively drawing significant backing and suggesting the general election dynamic remains competitive rather than predetermined. —Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026

People can sense when decisions are predetermined. —Garrett Lucien, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for predetermine

• redetermine
• birman
• burman
• ermine
• firman
• german
• kirman
• sermon
• spermine
• termen
• termine
• vermin

Kids Definition

predetermine

verb

pre·​de·​ter·​mine ˌprēd-i-ˈtər-mən 

1

: predestine

2

: to decide or settle beforehand

meet at a predetermined place

predetermination

-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən

noun