PREDICT Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'predict' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of predict are forecast , foretell , prognosticate , and prophesy . While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature. // astronomers predicted an eclipse

Q: How are the words 'forecast' and 'predict' related?

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

Q: Where would 'foretell' be a reasonable alternative to 'predict'?

While the synonyms foretell and predict are close in meaning, foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information. // seers foretold the calamity

Q: How does the word 'prognosticate' relate to other synonyms for 'predict'?

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

Q: When can 'prophesy' be used instead of 'predict'?

The words prophesy and predict can be used in similar contexts, but prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises. // prophesying a new messiah

predict

verb

pri-ˈdikt

Definition of predict

as in to read

to tell of or describe beforehand I can't even begin to predict what housing prices will be like 30 years from now

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

Some common synonyms of predict are forecast, foretell, prognosticate, and prophesy. While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

How are the words forecast and predict related?

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

forecast snow

Where would foretell be a reasonable alternative to predict?

While the synonyms foretell and predict are close in meaning, 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 does the word prognosticate relate to other synonyms for predict?

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 can prophesy be used instead of predict?

The words prophesy and predict can be used in similar contexts, but 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 predict The cuts are being ironed out and officials predict the whittling won't be as severe as what's been suggested in earlier proposals. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 Next, Meta will string the Muses together to create a team of helpful agents, Nguyen predicts. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026 Up until that moment, Echard didn’t feel capable of predicting what Owens would do. — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026 Some experts have predicted Robinson's defense could cost as much as $10 million. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict

Verb

The broader reality is technology has changed the way people read.

— Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
Both he and Jones are both represented by CAA — and once Jones read it, the actor wanted in.

— Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of read

Verb

The Duo could also prove more accessible than some industry watchers had anticipated.

— MacKenzie Sigalos,Kif Leswing, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Some strategists, anticipating that the committee may raise flags, now try to get ahead of the process by submitting additional documentation, including filmmaker quotes and source materials, to explain why a film belongs in its intended category.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of anticipate

Verb

Earlier this month, the government said that businesses and other employers added just 29,000 jobs in September, down from 133,000 in August and below what economists had forecast.

— Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Research firm Gartner published a report on Wednesday forecasting that over 80% of neocloud providers will cease operations by 2030, due to costs and lack of a unique business model.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of forecast

Verb

Some 5,000 actresses were considered amid months of hysterical media prognosticating on who would wear the invisible halo next.

— Michael Callahan, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker talked about focusing on the moment with Rocker and not trying to prognosticate the future for the former top pick.

— Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026

Definition of prognosticate

Verb

The Reuters news agency reported Tuesday that the Saudi system to warn civilians of a military attack went silent days before the latest series of deadly Houthi strikes.

— Frank Andrews, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
That list, the company warns, poses a risk for its ability to get adequate and affordable insurance.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of warn

Verb

Inclusion on the list could also presage a Section 301 investigation that could lead to legal consequences or restrictive import controls on the devices.

— Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026
Charlie Kirk's family blamed Utah officials for failing to prevent the conservative activist's assassination at a state university, in a wrongful death notice announced Wednesday that presages a possible lawsuit.

— CBS News, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of presage

Verb

Trump blindsided Zelenskyy last weekend by announcing that Ukraine and Russia had agreed not to target each other's energy facilities.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
In recent weeks, legal trouble has brewed between her estate and nephew Brian Seaver, who was also her longtime head of security and the one who announced her passing to fans in a video on her social media.

— Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of announce

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“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predict. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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