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.
The supply is capped at twenty-one million coins, with issuance predetermined by code. Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Lawyers for the plaintiffs argued that Noem’s decisions are unlawful because they were predetermined by President Donald Trump’s campaign promises and motivated by racial animus. Janie Har, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025 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 But critics of the 4-4-2-2-1 plan, with Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark leading the charge, believe predetermined CFP bids would undercut the legitimacy of the regular season. Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 15 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 9 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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