Definition of predictivenext
as in prophetic
being a sign of a later course of events unfortunately, the stock market crash of 1929 turned out to be a predictive event, for the next decade was consumed by the Great Depression

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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 predictive The machine now thinks in structured, predictive ways. Big Think, 2 Mar. 2026 The post, which was published last Sunday, specifically said it was not meant to be predictive. Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026 As real estate portfolios continue integrating IoT frameworks, predictive analytics, and sustainability mandates, the ability to verify mechanical performance in real time may become foundational to operational governance. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026 The data collected by the agency’s plate readers was fed into a predictive intelligence program monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide to identify and detain people whose travel patterns the algorithm deemed suspicious, according to the AP’s investigation. Calmatters, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predictive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predictive
Adjective
  • As the Chicago Bears were rocketing toward an NFC North title and playoff run, quarterback Caleb Williams made a comment on social media about his Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman that has proven prophetic.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Horton’s message became prophetic.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As labor complications ensue, a blizzard rages outside trapping the family in their home – sitting ducks for whatever sinister presence might be in there with them.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Dumas’ sinister seductress Milady is now a British spy helping the Nazis.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Predictive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predictive. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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