Synonyms of predict

predict

verb

pri-ˈdikt 

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

• read
• anticipate
• foretell
• forecast
• warn
• prognosticate
• presage
• announce
• prophesy
• foresee
• call
• augur
• promise
• forewarn
• vaticinate
• portend
• bode
• declare
• alert
• caution
• proclaim
• forebode
• divine
• forbode
• herald
• foreknow

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tell
• describe
• relate
• report
• recite
• recount
• narrate

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

Recent Examples of predict

In comparison, other protein AI tools like AlphaFold3 could only manage to predict one of the five protein-to-protein interactions. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025

Some Republicans predict that Thanksgiving will be a turning point. —NPR, 27 Oct. 2025

Dangerous wind gusts of 120-140 mph are expected across much of Jamaica on Monday and Tuesday, with destructive wind gusts of 160-170 mph predicted for central Jamaica near where Melissa makes landfall, along with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 180 mph. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

With a month to go before Thanksgiving, the Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting mild weather for Michiganders who plan to travel to see family or friends. —James Powel, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025