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

Preparing for potential disease outbreaks involves increasing global disease surveillance, using predictive models to determine which pathogens should be a research priority and creating action plans for when potential outbreaks are detected. —K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 9 Apr. 2026

Under normal circumstances, the company runs predictive algorithms to estimate demand. —Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026

The authors, from the University of California Transportation Center, were looking to see if surrounding environment was predictive of violence at bus stops. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026

From the design and engineering of passenger coaches to the precision of locomotive overhauls, digital twin technology enables predictive maintenance and performance optimization, ensuring safer and more efficient travel. —Tobias Bauer, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for predictive

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