predictable

adjective

pre·​dict·​able pri-ˈdik-tə-bəl How to pronounce predictable (audio)
1
: capable of being predicted : able to be known, seen, or declared in advance
a predictable reaction/outcome
a very predictable plot
changes occurring at a steady and predictable rate
2
: behaving in a way that is expected
I knew he would say that. He's so predictable.
predictability noun
By comparing the projections, meteorologists can get a measure of the weather's predictability: The less agreement among the forecasts, the less predictable the weather. Richard Monastersky

Examples of predictable in a Sentence

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.
Buffalo’s flaws have been familiar and predictable. Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 The arrangement allows the county to benefit from predictable, lower-cost renewable energy while advancing its sustainability goals. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025 By posing bold, imaginative, and sometimes unconventional questions, people can push AI beyond predictable patterns and uncover insights that would otherwise remain hidden. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025 Licensing third-party films — particularly those in later pay windows — offers more predictable economics and higher margins than producing new, untested series. Alejandro Rojas, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predictable

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predictable was in 1820

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Cite this Entry

“Predictable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predictable. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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