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 next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Although rainfall levels are generally predicted to be low in desert regions during this storm system, there is a chance of showers in the Coachella Valley on Sunday. —

Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026 Considering that gravitational waves were first predicted by Einstein in 1915 and the first successful detection was only made 100 years later in 2015, hunting these ripples in spacetime has always been a waiting game requiring a lot of patience. —

Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 Apr. 2026 Finally, Cramer predicted that Citi stock will jump the most among the three next week as shares tend to rally on earnings. —

Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026 Researchers predicted that if LLMs were providing advice based on the situation-specific details, there would be diversity in which solution the models choose. —

Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict

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— Phil Helsel, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026
Rebelein, the horror-minded author of Edenville, has made a recent habit of reading aloud during the editorial process, off the hunch that external voices can help one tighten a draft.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026