Synonym Chooser

How is the word prognosticate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of prognosticate are forecast, foretell, predict, and prophesy. While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," 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

How are the words forecast and predict related as synonyms of prognosticate?

Forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties.

forecast snow

When can foretell be used instead of prognosticate?

In some situations, the words foretell and prognosticate are roughly equivalent. However, foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

When is it sensible to use predict instead of prognosticate?

The meanings of predict and prognosticate largely overlap; however, predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

Where would prophesy be a reasonable alternative to prognosticate?

While the synonyms prophesy and prognosticate are close in meaning, 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 prognosticate Utah The Hotline undoubtedly has a more optimistic view of Utah’s prospects than most others in the prognosticating business. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025 That hasn’t stopped our stalwart insiders from viewing them and preferentially voting in 10 Oscar categories (most points for most likely, or most hoped for, to succeed) for your prognosticating pleasure. Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024 Still, there were some smart folks who prognosticated Hutchinson as the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year. 17a. Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2024 Kendrick Lamar remains one of our most exciting superstars because of the inherent unpredictability of his artistry, so when prognosticating how this beef affects his future, the answer has to be: TBD. Angel Diaz, Billboard, 14 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for prognosticate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prognosticate
predict
Verb
  • At one point in the early 1980s, amid economic downturns, program trustees predicted a shortfall was months away.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The greater Nashville market is outperforming some larger metros and countering national headlines predicting a struggling housing market.
    Collyn Wainwright, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prognosticate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prognosticate. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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