foretell

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of foretell are forecast, predict, prognosticate, and prophesy. While all these words 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

How do forecast and predict relate to one another, in the sense of foretell?

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

forecast snow

In what contexts can predict take the place of foretell?

The words predict and foretell are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

How does the word prognosticate relate to other synonyms for foretell?

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

When is prophesy a more appropriate choice than foretell?

While the synonyms prophesy and foretell are close in meaning, prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

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 foretell And as a redhead, I’m basically treated like royalty here — like some ancient prophecy foretold my arrival. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 21 July 2025 When Pharaoh ordered all of the newborn males of his kingdom and surrounding area to be killed, as explained in the Book of Exodus, his trusted advisors warned him of a foretelling prophecy in the stars that a newborn Hebrew male would stifle the power of Pharaoh. Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025 For example, a docking in geosynchronous orbit could foretell an emerging capability for China to approach, capture, and disable another country's satellite. ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025 In this story, reporters Angela Yang and Bruna Horvath explain how Mamdani’s social media presence foretold his apparent primary victory. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for foretell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foretell
predict
Verb
  • Bregman has been a key player for the team, but FanSided's Chris Landers predicts Bregman will not be back on the Red Sox next year.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Only 1 in 5 doctors accurately predicted their patients’ out-of-pocket costs, according to a 2021 JAMA investigation.
    Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Foretell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foretell. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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