PREDICTIVELY 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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 On Monday, analysts at Bank of America predicted the Fed would increase rates three times this year as policymakers take more decisive action to rein in inflation after five years of seeing it above their 2% target. —

Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 June 2026 Investors have spent years predicting the demise of expensive technology stocks, housing markets, government bonds, currencies, and entire industries. —

Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 Bryan Klimkiewicz, the division director for special education in Connecticut, predicts filings will be higher for the 2025-2026 filing period. —

Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026 Pro tip: If you are ever asked to predict a winner in a California governor’s race, be sure to bet on the Catholic. —

Joe Mathews, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for predict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict

Verb

Beginning in the 2030 school year, public school students will read biblical passages and learn how the Bible affected history and literature from kindergarten to 12th grade.

— Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2026
Anthropic shared a striking number alongside a new product this week, and it is being read the wrong way.

— Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Definition of read

Verb

The one-two punch of heat and humidity is anticipated to reach Eastern states by midweek, AccuWeather said, possibly lingering through the Independence Day weekend.

— Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Even if the architects of my building didn’t anticipate global warming, their handiwork, with some minor accommodations, has made the past week bearable.

— Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

Definition of anticipate

Verb

Primary victories for leftist candidates endorsed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani foretell bigger battles for a party trying to win back power nationally.

— Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 24 June 2026
But the drama here feels too diagrammatic, foretelling a tragic fate from the first scene onward as everyone parties down like their lives depend on it.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026

Definition of foretell

Verb

Its influence is forecast to ripple around the planet, shifting weather patterns for months to come.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Fundstrat Global Advisors' Tom Lee has joined a growing chorus of Wall Street bulls forecasting the S & P 500 will end the year at 8,000.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 25 June 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
In a chaotic and unpredictable world, somebody with artificially TV-friendly looks stands in front of a map that isn’t there and attempts to prognosticate the unknowable future.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026

Definition of prognosticate

Verb

Seeking respite from the sizzling weather, people and companies across Europe are snapping up portable and fixed air conditioners as some countries warn the heat wave could intensify.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Opponents argue agencies could avoid some of the service cuts officials have warned about by pausing capital improvement projects, including extensions.

— Kenny Choi, CBS News, 26 June 2026

Definition of warn

Verb

Brown passed away from coronary heart disease at his Newport News, Virginia, home on June 17, his family announced on June 26 via his Facebook page.

— Terry Collins, USA Today, 28 June 2026
The invasive golden mussel has now been confirmed in the Port of West Sacramento, marking the species' northernmost detection in California since it was first discovered in Stockton in 2024, wildlife officials announced Saturday.

— Richard Ramos, CBS News, 28 June 2026