predict

verb

pre·​dict pri-ˈdikt 

predicted; predicting; predicts

transitive verb

: to declare or indicate in advance

especially : foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or scientific reason

intransitive verb

: to make a prediction

predictor

pri-ˈdik-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• read
• anticipate
• foretell
• forecast
• warn
• prognosticate
• presage
• announce
• prophesy

Choose the Right Synonym for predict

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 predict in a Sentence

All the local forecasters are predicting rain for this afternoon.

She claims that she can predict future events.

It's hard to predict how the election will turn out.

Many people predicted that the store would fail, but it has done very well.

Sales are predicted to be the same as last year.

Recent Examples on the Web

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the region through Monday evening, predicting potential rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated amounts up to 10 inches. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025

Unlike the 2011 Groundhog Day blizzard that meteorologists predicted days in advance, this storm was harder to pinpoint, said National Weather Service meteorologist David Beachler at the time. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025

The Global Wellness Institute predicts a related category, wellness tourism, will average annual expenditure growth of 16.6% to 2027, noting travel trends that include travel for mental health, sleep and recovery. —Rafi Golberstein, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

Washington Examiner Senior Writer Joe Concha predicted Tesla CEO Elon Musk would not elect even one representative to Congress via his new political party. —Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 7 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin praedictus, past participle of praedicere, from prae- pre- + dicere to say — more at diction

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for predict

• addict
• afflict
• constrict
• delict
• depict
• evict
• handpicked
• inflict
• relict
• restrict
• bricked
• clicked

Kids Definition

predict

verb

pre·​dict pri-ˈdikt 

: to declare in advance : foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or reasoning

predictable

-ˈdik-tə-bəl 

adjective

predictably

-blē

adverb

Etymology

from Latin praedictus, past participle of praedicere "to predict, tell ahead of time," from prae- "pre-, earlier than, before" and dicere "to say" — related to dictate