prediction

noun

pre·​dic·​tion pri-ˈdik-shən 

1

: an act of predicting

2

: something that is predicted : forecast

Synonyms of prediction

• predicting
• forecast
• forecasting
• prophecy

Examples of prediction in a Sentence

Journalists have begun making predictions about the winner of the coming election.

Despite predictions that the store would fail, it has done very well.

The figures and statistics are used for the prediction of future economic trends.

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet the surge in profits still fell below analysts’ lofty predictions of $433 million, helping to send shares lower. —Angelica Ang, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025

Many of these predictions have already manifested. —Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025

The series finally gets underway this month, just as the Halloween decorations have been removed from shop fronts to be replaced by tinsel with the ruthless efficiency of a Glenn McGrath 5-0 prediction. —Darren Richman, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025

Even the best predictions can only accurately be made a few days or even hours in advance. —John Tufts, IndyStar, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prediction

• addiction
• affliction
• constriction
• conviction
• depiction
• eviction
• infliction
• nonfiction
• restriction
• antifriction
• benediction
• contradiction

Kids Definition

prediction

noun

pre·​dic·​tion pri-ˈdik-shən 

1

: an act of predicting

2

: something predicted : forecast

a prediction that there would be an earthquake

predictive

-ˈdik-tiv

adjective