predictable

adjective

pre·​dict·​able pri-ˈdik-tə-bəl 

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

pri-ˌdik-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

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

Skip the predictable options and think about what would genuinely make her smile. — Ethan Stone october 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026

Bragg poeticized his regionally predictable subjects with startling particularity. — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026

The charming stripes on this Gibson stoneware set make for a nice departure from predictable, stark-white dinnerware. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026

Maybe that’s the point — the film seeks to interrogate Mark’s narcissism — but every interaction feels like it’s been flattened into a series of predictable accusations instead of something that might provoke surprise or reflection. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for predictable

• indictable
• unpredictable