as in prediction
a declaration that something will happen in the future
the ludicrous foretellings of self-styled psychics at the end of each year
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in predicting
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Dissimilar Words
as in reading
to tell of or describe beforehand
a 16th-century astrologer who, some claim, accurately foretold 20th-century events
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of foretelling
Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Apparently, the little man was an oracle, foretelling deaths with certainty.
—Literary Hub, 5 Jan. 2026
The opening night in Brazil provided the ominous but apparently foretelling moment, when one star player left his passing lane on a game-deciding third down.
—Sam McDowell December 15, Kansas City Star, 15 Dec. 2025
The track, written and produced by Danny Elfman, premiered in the 1993 film The Nightmare Before Christmas (foretelling the blend of Halloween and Christmas decorations on the latest chart).
—Gary Trust, Billboard, 11 Nov. 2025
Those are the conclusions of two recent reports about spiraling utility bills, one looking at the past, the other foretelling the future.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Miami had been favored by 13 1/2 points but that whittled to 10 1/2 by kickoff, perhaps foretelling the close game as late gambling money flooded to the Cardinals.
—Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
An optimist would read the internal market action in recent weeks as foretelling an early-cycle reacceleration/reflation dynamic setting up.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
Million-Follower Detective (February 12) This eight-episode Taiwanese crime thriller follows a mysterious woman who rises to fame and becomes a powerful influencer after accurately foretelling the murders of several social-media influencers.
—Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Apparently, the little man was an oracle, foretelling deaths with certainty.
—Literary Hub, 5 Jan. 2026
The opening night in Brazil provided the ominous but apparently foretelling moment, when one star player left his passing lane on a game-deciding third down.
—Sam McDowell December 15, Kansas City Star, 15 Dec. 2025
The track, written and produced by Danny Elfman, premiered in the 1993 film The Nightmare Before Christmas (foretelling the blend of Halloween and Christmas decorations on the latest chart).
—Gary Trust, Billboard, 11 Nov. 2025
Those are the conclusions of two recent reports about spiraling utility bills, one looking at the past, the other foretelling the future.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Miami had been favored by 13 1/2 points but that whittled to 10 1/2 by kickoff, perhaps foretelling the close game as late gambling money flooded to the Cardinals.
—Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
An optimist would read the internal market action in recent weeks as foretelling an early-cycle reacceleration/reflation dynamic setting up.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foretelling
Noun
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Those are, indeed, pat, credible theories and predictions.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
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Adding weight to Meloni’s prediction of upcoming turbulence is the fact that 43 members of Congress have already announced plans to leave.—
Juan Williams,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Next, the researchers aim to improve their technique further, with the goal of predicting not only when solar activity will intensify, but also where on the sun’s surface active regions are likely to form.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Feb. 2026
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In addition to Oklahoma, the agency is predicting that all of Kansas, much of Texas and parts of Colorado and New Mexico will receive above-average chances of wildfires in America's central region.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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That makes forecasting and early adjustment even more critical.—
Jennifer Jay Palumbo,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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These areas include inventory tracking and inventory demand forecasting.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
jsonline.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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While confidence is high that this storm will occur, small shifts in its track could significantly change impacts, particularly in New England, so stay tuned to the latest local forecasts.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
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Nevertheless, the company surpassed sales volume forecasts in other areas, and cash costs stayed under control relative to expectations.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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What was once seen as a joke has attained the status of a prophecy.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
25 Jan. 2026
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Although critics were lukewarm on the film itself, Hudson is now one step closer to Jackman’s prophecy after steadily building momentum in recent weeks with Golden Globe, Actor Awards and now Oscar nominations.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foretelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foretelling. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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