predictive

adjective

pre·​dic·​tive pri-ˈdik-tiv How to pronounce predictive (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Already, the film has earned six nominations for the Critics Choice Documentary Awards, as well as a spot on the Oscar-predictive DOC NYC Short List. Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2025 However, these are predictive results—not medical diagnoses—as symptoms differ among women at these stages. Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 17 Oct. 2025 Ellis is meant to help brands and retailers scenario plan, leveraging predictive analytics and natural language processing (NLP) to provide real-time insights that can shorten the decisioning process. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025 Generally, however, the preseason is at least directionally predictive. Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predictive

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predictive was in 1637

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Cite this Entry

“Predictive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predictive. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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