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

The 2027 season is set to be the first year the UIL will have predetermined sites for the semifinal games. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

There aren’t many surprises in this vividly realized but predetermined drama. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Observers may question the point of holding elections where no meaningful opposition is allowed and the result appears largely predetermined. — Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

In July, CalMatters reported that the measure was written in a way that likely predetermines the single institute that will receive half the funds. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 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