prognostication

noun

prog·​nos·​ti·​ca·​tion (ˌ)präg-ˌnä-stə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce prognostication (audio)
1
: an indication in advance : foretoken
2
a
: an act, the fact, or the power of prognosticating : forecast

Examples of prognostication in a Sentence

the complete fulfillment of his prognostication surprised even him at the sight of the brooding mansion, her prognostications of ill fortune grew stronger
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.
Awards prognostication is similarly fuzzy too, although technical noms will be its strongest play. Damon Wise, Deadline, 17 June 2025 Yet, despite all the pre-season prognostications, winning the division is no longer a fait accompli. Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 That's been his forecast 108 times, compared to 21 for an early spring since his prognostications were recorded in 1887 (there are no records for 10 years). Bill Chappell, NPR, 31 Jan. 2025 While the prognostication of learning from anywhere has not really panned out, the idea of learning at any time has been a big seller. Derek Newton, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prognostication

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pronosticacioun, prognosticacyon "action of foretelling events, prediction, sign portending an event," borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French pronosticacion, borrowed from Medieval Latin pronōsticātiōn-, pronōsticātiō (also with -g-) "forecast, prognosis," from prognōsticāre, pronōsticāre "to predict, forecast, portend" + Latin -tiōn-, tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at prognosticate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prognostication was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Prognostication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prognostication. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

prognostication

noun
prog·​nos·​ti·​ca·​tion (ˌ)präg-ˌnäs-tə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce prognostication (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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