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 results suggest that exceptionally powerful solar storms could generate stronger geomagnetic disturbances — and greater impacts on satellites, communications systems and power grids — than earlier estimates predicted. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 17 July 2026 Bank of America Securities analyst Steve Juneau predicted in a May 20 note to clients that oil and gas costs would remain stubbornly high, leaving tariff rebates as a way to extinguish higher freight costs. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 17 July 2026 AccuWeather predicted that the unhealthy levels in Toledo, as well as in Milwaukee and Detroit, may persist throughout the weekend into Monday. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 17 July 2026 After revisions, the final temperature management protocol predicted a 28% mortality rate for Chinook salmon. — Velvet Wu july 17, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for predict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict

Verb

The disagreements were intelligent, experienced, and specific — and reading them in bulk did not soften my view.

— Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
The pair met when Nolan showed up at Caine’s front door asking him to read for the role of Alfred Pennyworth in Batman Begins(2005).

— Emma Urdangen, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

Definition of read

Verb

Relief from heat is anticipated by Wednesday and Thursday, when the high temperature is forecast to inch down into the mid-80s.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
As far as the production approach to Sunday, Telemundo anticipates having its biggest canvas yet, with correspondents delivering reports and setting the scene from Spain and Argentina.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 18 July 2026

Definition of anticipate

Verb

Inside a hotel ballroom about three miles north of the ballpark, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and MLBPA interim director Bruce Meyer offered conflicting visions for the future of the sport, a disagreement that foretells a labor stoppage this winter.

— Andy McCullough, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Each label contains its own taxonomies of taste and cultural prestige, targeting the demographics most drawn to the status markers the badge foretells.

— Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 8 July 2026

Definition of foretell

Verb

Temperatures are forecast to be 10 to 17 degrees above normal, prompting heat advisories for most of the Los Angeles area, outside of coastal areas, said Mike Wofford, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Each morning on Cuban state TV, a presenter who clearly has the worst job on the island, is tasked with forecasting the daily power deficit in the same way the local news in other countries reports the weather or traffic.

— Patrick Oppmann, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Definition of forecast

Verb

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
Traders eager to continue prognosticating what will happen in Iran are in luck—Kalshi has a market on who will be Khamenei’s successor.

— Kate Knibbs, Wired News, 2 Mar. 2026

Definition of prognosticate

Verb

However, Mural warned, individual small data centers might not interrupt the flow of electricity much, but a cluster of them could.

— Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Trump has warned that the US would strike bridges and power plants in Iran next week unless Tehran returns to the negotiating table.

— Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 16 July 2026

Definition of warn

Verb

The final plan, announced Thursday, includes early voting sites at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, Afton Ridge Library, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s Kannapolis campus, and Cabarrus County EMS Headquarters.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
As of Friday evening, FIFA has not announced any closing news conference where media will be afforded opportunities to ask Infantino questions.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of announce

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“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predict. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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