prognostication

noun

prog·​nos·​ti·​ca·​tion (ˌ)präg-ˌnä-stə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: an indication in advance : foretoken

2

a

: an act, the fact, or the power of prognosticating : forecast

b

: foreboding

Synonyms of prognostication

• prediction
• forecasting
• forecast
• predicting
• prophecy

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

Prior to parting ways on Sunday, a farewell brunch will double as a forum for a bit of prognostication regarding how the tournament will ultimately play out. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2026

Rather than accept that prognostication, Thomas made full use of Google’s Gemini tool to learn more about his son’s condition and advocate on his behalf. —Neil Chilson, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026

Most of the Oscar prognostication action happens around the best picture, acting and directing races, leaving the poor writing nominees metaphorically stuck alone in a room, staring at a blank screen. —Todd Longwell, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026

But on Groundhog Day 15 years ago in Chicago, no one was thinking much about what the weather would be like in six weeks — and the ceremony where Woodstock Willie casts his prognostication couldn't even be held. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for prognostication

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

prognostication

noun

prog·​nos·​ti·​ca·​tion (ˌ)präg-ˌnäs-tə-ˈkā-shən 

: forecast entry 2