predict

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 But ask it to explain why a person is pacing nervously near a fence, or predict what might happen next in a crowded room — and suddenly, the illusion of intelligence falls apart. Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 Many commentators are already predicting a Versant-Global Networks merger. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 June 2025 There's no way to predict how future generations may view grief tech. ArsTechnica, 13 June 2025 Houser predicted that soldiers could soon begin handling arrests. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for predict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict
Verb
  • Thank you all for reading these recaps and having such great conversations in the comments along the way.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 13 June 2025
  • Outcome framing can read as cosmetic if representation metrics quietly disappear. 4.
    Heather Price, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • The National Retail Federation also anticipated skyrocketing prices on clothing, household appliances, furniture and more.
    Dryden Pence, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • Earlier this week, the U.S. May consumer inflation report also came in cooler than anticipated.
    Nur Hikmah Md Ali, CNBC, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Those who knew him before the bombings could not have foretold his devotion to North Korea.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • That marvelous lighted scene, foretelling the end of Europe’s deadliest period, has stayed with me all these years.
    Si Liberman, Sun Sentinel, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • The notice is put into effect when the heat index is forecast at above 95 degrees for three or more days in a row.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 20 June 2025
  • That being said, geomagnetic storms have surprised us in the past, whereby forecasted G1 conditions jump to G2 or even G3.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Continue reading … ‘VERY DAMAGING’ – '60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley warns against CBS settlement with Trump.
    , FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
  • Businesses and economists have warned otherwise, spurring uncertainty about consumer spending and fears of a potential recession.
    Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • But our sorry showing in the early rounds undercuts any claim to prognosticating success.
    Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Most other publications didn’t even bother prognosticating.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The eurozone, for example, has made little progress in recent years toward greater economic and financial integration, and its core economies have taken a populist, rightward turn, presaging political instability.
    ESWAR PRASAD, Foreign Affairs, 23 May 2025
  • The mixed messaging would presage his style as a pontiff whose doctrinal conservatism would blend with increasingly progressive public statements.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And his inspiration for still grinding while others start thinking about their retirement plans comes from Warren Buffett—who at 94 years old only just announced plans to step back as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 June 2025
  • Cristian Romero has publicly flirted with the idea of moving on to play in Spain’s La Liga and posted praise for Postecoglou on Instagram shortly after Frank’s appointment was officially announced.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predict. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.

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