Definition of divinenext
1
2
as in heavenly
of, relating to, or being God for these divine gifts let us be truly thankful

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

divine

2 of 3

noun

divine

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divine different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of divine are anticipate, foreknow, and foresee. While all these words mean "to know beforehand," divine adds to foresee the suggestion of exceptional wisdom or discernment.

was able to divine Europe's rapid recovery from the war

When could anticipate be used to replace divine?

Although the words anticipate and divine have much in common, anticipate implies taking action about or responding emotionally to something before it happens.

the waiter anticipated our every need

When might foreknow be a better fit than divine?

The synonyms foreknow and divine are sometimes interchangeable, but foreknow usually implies supernatural assistance, as through revelation.

if only we could foreknow our own destinies

When can foresee be used instead of divine?

While the synonyms foresee and divine are close in meaning, foresee implies nothing about how the knowledge is derived and may apply to ordinary reasoning and experience.

economists should have foreseen the recession

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of divine
Adjective
This understanding reveals that our substance is not material – that, in fact, matter has nothing to do with our substance, which is entirely spiritual, as the expression of divine Spirit. The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Sep. 2026 There’s a king bed with a divine wooden headboard and plush white linens. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
By suppressing this continuity between the natural and the supernatural realms, Nolan omits much of what makes the Homeric age so different, including the ambience of the divine and the distinctive moral realm that goes with it. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 July 2026 His prophetic abilities and insight into the divine are partly from having experienced both life as a woman and life as a man. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 June 2026
Verb
Habermas shares Horkheimer and Adorno’s doubts about such a scheme, which puts too much faith in individuals’ ability to divine truth on their own. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 According to Esteve Umbert, one of the architects, Guadì also left geometric clues to help with construction, such as a hyperbolic paraboloid used to divine the shape of a church spire. Seth Doane, CBS News, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for divine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divine
Adjective
  • That there’s a wonderful wedge salad to brighten up the plate is just icing on the cake.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Ornamental grasses are a wonderful way to spruce up your lawn or add some softness and movement to your garden.
    Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Set on the edge of the Village of Lindos, the heavenly parcel and its glass-like waters are nearly encased by rocks with stretches of smooth sand on either side.
    Jennifer Tzeses, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Eleven years before that, Super Bowl XLIX gave us an all-time finish, from Jermaine Kearse’s heavenly juggle to Malcolm Butler’s fateful pick at the goal line.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • After shooting Lino in the foot, the stranger reveals himself as Father Joe (Kiefer Sutherland), an actual priest who takes on Manhattan’s drug dealers wearing his work clothes.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Helping people was the reason Judge had become a priest many years earlier.
    René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Enciso can be the bustling out-ball, the tenacious, front-footed defender and provide the moments of individual brilliance to get Ipswich out of the relegation trouble many anticipate.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Rather, the neural signals associated with threat detection and pain were most acute when people were merely anticipating the test.
    Sian Leah Beilock, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • An individual company can maintain excellent controls and favorable claims experience while still facing higher pricing because the market has deteriorated around it.
    Randy Sadler, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Food and drink The property’s on-site restaurant serves decent New American fare in a room that offers the same excellent views as the penthouses, or on the hotel’s delightful terrace during the warmer months.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • This campaign season contains all sorts of scenarios screaming for holy intervention.
    Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The holiday is a holy time for Jews, and is believed to be the birthday of the universe or the day God created Adam and Eve.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Anton offers him protection, money and a possible escape from Stonemore, while an enigmatic local preacher (played by Kirby), presents him with a very different path.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Soon, the vast stadium was packed — not with rugby fans or concertgoers, but with thousands who came to pray with an African preacher.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The head coach foresaw a transition taking place over a 12-to-18-month period, whereby Trafford would eventually usurp Pope, now 34.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Despite the hype, investors don't foresee a big move — and some think the news could prompt investors to offload shares.
    Tobias Burns, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Divine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divine. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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