PREDICTOR 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

Relevance

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 To make these insights immediately actionable, the PPPL team developed a basic formula to predict plasma magnetization based on specific laser and target variables. —

Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026 Carolyn Kousky, executive director of the Coalition for an Insurable Future and a contributing economist at the Environmental Defense Fund, says that climate change is the most unnerving risk of all, creating new variables that could make damage more difficult to predict. —

Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026 Many traders see China’s eventual return to pre-Iran war oil purchasing rates as the key to predicting when oil prices finally lurch higher. —

Devika Krishna Kumar, Fortune, 6 June 2026 But most insiders predict the top three to fall in some order of Dybantsa, Peterson and Boozer, with Wilson always bringing up the rear. —

Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for predict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict

Verb

Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.

— Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 30 May 2026
Officers tracked down the Avalanche using license plate-reading cameras and learned it was registered to Camargo Madrigal.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026