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 Sugar Mountain Ski Resort hosts an Oktoberfest the weekend of October 11 to 12 this year, and the annual Woolly Warm Festival, which has a caterpillar race that prophesies the length of winter, runs October 18 and 19. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 12 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for prophesy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prophesy
Verb
  • Without additional revenue, the IBA predicts that the PUD will need to cut its expenses by slashing either its operating costs — likely by cutting staff — or its spending on capital improvements.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Initial estimates predicted two to three years, and design work only began in December, the city said.
    Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Its 93-page deregulatory manifesto reads like a wish list for turning passengers into powerless customers.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Boise State sacked Swann five times, and cornerback A’Marion McCoy victimized him with the first pick-six, reading a pass to the right flat perfectly to intercept it and returning it 26 yards untouched for a touchdown in the first half.
    Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 28 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prophesy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prophesy. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prophesy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!