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

For now, the study shows that an alternative cosmological model can reproduce one of the standard model’s most important predictions about the early universe. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026

It should be built to help identify which evidence is credible; to generate the strongest competing explanations; to distinguish facts from inference and prediction; and to make uncertainty visible rather than manufacture precision. — Keren Yarhi-Milo, Time, 8 Nov. 2026

Week 9 predictions The Chronicle’s sports staff makes its picks for today’s game. — Peter Warren, Houston Chronicle, 8 Nov. 2026

FanDuel and DraftKings recently created their own prediction-market apps, which have enabled them to bring sports betting to Texas and California, where legalization has stalled. — New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026

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