predictive

adjective

pre·​dic·​tive pri-ˈdik-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or usable or valuable for prediction

predictive medical factors

2

: based on or generated by using methods of prediction

predictive models

predictive text

Usually predictive policing refers to feeding reams of city data into a computer and dispatching extra officers to areas that are deemed to be at high risk of future crime.

—Leon Neyfakh

predictively adverb

Like an astrological chart, it can be made to fit any case, and it works better retrospectively than predictively.

—Carol Tavris

Synonyms

• prophetic
• sinister
• prophetical

Examples of predictive in a Sentence

unfortunately, the stock market crash of 1929 turned out to be a predictive event, for the next decade was consumed by the Great Depression

Recent Examples on the Web

The Food Institute suggested using analytical tools, AI, and predictive technology. —Louis Biscotti, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Key caveats to know: Disabling Smart Features may remove other convenient functionalities, such as predictive text and automatic appointment detection. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025

The game is set five years in the future, and imagines a Britain where predictive policing has halved crime rates. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 12 Aug. 2025

This concept includes predictive, proactive, preventative, precise, personalized, parallel, prioritize, and persistent approaches to managing aging. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for predictive

• addictive
• constrictive
• restrictive
• vindictive
• fictive
• magnetostrictive