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 Computers tend to work in a predictable way, following determined patterns. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Apr. 2024 What to avoid this summer American travelers are becoming more predictable in their summer vacation choices, said John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group. Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024 If everything’s the same and everything is talking together in a predictable way, there’s not much to glean. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2024 Grief is less predictable in reality The five stages of grief were introduced by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her 1969 book On Death and Dying. Angela Haupt, TIME, 10 Apr. 2024 However, compared to more traditional investments such as government bonds and money market accounts, the precious metals market can be less predictable and more prone to volatility, the Idaho Statesman previously reported. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 2024 The rare large ones like this are generally not predictable. Gary Solar, The Conversation, 5 Apr. 2024 In general, dividends are not always predictable, following the ups and downs of company profits over time. Dividend Channel, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024 From Progress and Backlash: A Historical Lens From Reconstruction to Jim Crow, from Obama to Trump, the cycle of symbolic progress followed by tangible backlash is historically predictable. Ebony Flake, Essence, 4 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'predictable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predictable was in 1820

Dictionary Entries Near predictable

Cite this Entry

“Predictable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predictable. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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