predict

verb

pre·​dict pri-ˈdikt How to pronounce predict (audio)
predicted; predicting; predicts

transitive verb

: to declare or indicate in advance
especially : foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or scientific reason
predictor noun
Choose the Right Synonym for predict

foretell, predict, forecast, prophesy, prognosticate mean to tell beforehand.

foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties.

forecast snow

prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

prognosticate is used less often than the other words; it may suggest learned or skilled interpretation, but more often it is simply a colorful substitute for predict or prophesy.

prognosticating the future

Examples of predict in a Sentence

All the local forecasters are predicting rain for this afternoon. She claims that she can predict future events. It's hard to predict how the election will turn out. Many people predicted that the store would fail, but it has done very well. Sales are predicted to be the same as last year.
Recent Examples on the Web The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average season this year because of record-warm ocean temperatures. Stephen Smith, TIME, 28 Sep. 2024 Industry experts also predict some price increases for Medicare prescription drug plans. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2024 One study from Juniper Research predicts that by 2024, there will be 1.1 billion active RCS users worldwide. Ivan Ostojić, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 Understanding how these winds strengthened or weakened in the past, given the islands’ location near Antarctica, could help predict future changes in climate. Katie Hunt, CNN, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for predict 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'predict.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin praedictus, past participle of praedicere, from prae- pre- + dicere to say — more at diction

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of predict was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near predict

Cite this Entry

“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predict. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

predict

verb
pre·​dict pri-ˈdikt How to pronounce predict (audio)
: to declare in advance : foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or reasoning
predictable adjective
predictably
-blē
adverb
Etymology

from Latin praedictus, past participle of praedicere "to predict, tell ahead of time," from prae- "pre-, earlier than, before" and dicere "to say" — related to dictate

More from Merriam-Webster on predict

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