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

Empowered by the predictive and intelligent capabilities of ERP, OEE, MES, DT and AR technologies, alongside existing smart hardware, the facility operators of today can build, optimize and benefit from the factories of tomorrow. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026

Unlike generative AI, which generates content, and predictive AI, which generates forecasts, agentic AI gathers information and can act autonomously to make decisions in areas such as pricing, planning and promotions. —David Moin, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026

Body mass has proven to be more predictive of WR production than height. —Michael Salfino, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

Until then, Super Bowl talk is aspirational, not predictive. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for predictive

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