Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of prophesy are forecast, foretell, predict, and prognosticate. While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

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

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

forecast snow

When is foretell a more appropriate choice than prophesy?

The words foretell and prophesy can be used in similar contexts, but 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 can predict be used instead of prophesy?

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

astronomers predicted an eclipse

How does the word prognosticate relate to other synonyms for prophesy?

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

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 prophesy These narratives do not prophesy circuits but diagnose hubris, displacement, and the fragile hinge between aspiration and catastrophe. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025 Let the great battle between the Reagans and the Silvers commence as prophesied. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 10 July 2025 While Cassandras prophesied destabilization of the Middle East, the expansion of the accords could lead to a less radical and more stable political environment and increased energy availability worldwide. Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 No switch was flipped that suddenly made millions of Tesla vehicles capable of driving themselves without human supervision, as Musk has prophesied. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for prophesy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prophesy
Verb
  • Bregman has been a key player for the team, but FanSided's Chris Landers predicts Bregman will not be back on the Red Sox next year.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Only 1 in 5 doctors accurately predicted their patients’ out-of-pocket costs, according to a 2021 JAMA investigation.
    Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The court received a total of 28 victim impact statements, of which seven were read publicly at last month's hearings.
    Alasdair Pal, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Keep reading for all the sexiest styles from the 2025 VMAs.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prophesy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prophesy. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prophesy

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