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 of predictive

• prophetic
• sinister

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

Namdeo developed a predictive analytics platform that consolidated that workflow. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 9 June 2026

Data from predictive commerce insights platform Daash Intelligence showed that YSL Beauty, licensed by L’Oréal, came out as the number-one brand by prestige fragrance sales in April, with four of the top 10 fragrances sold during the month belonging to YSL. —Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 9 June 2026

The sophomore outfielder has come to grips with the fact that his previous efforts at the plate do not particularly hold predictive powers. —Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026

Putting is less predictive at Muirfield, and that's been the weakest club in his bag this year. —Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for predictive

• addictive
• constrictive
• restrictive
• vindictive
• magnetostrictive