predictive

adjective

pre·​dic·​tive pri-ˈdik-tiv How to pronounce predictive (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or usable or valuable for prediction
predictive medical factors
2
: based on or generated by using methods of prediction
predictive models
predictive text
Usually predictive policing refers to feeding reams of city data into a computer and dispatching extra officers to areas that are deemed to be at high risk of future crime.Leon Neyfakh
predictively adverb
Like an astrological chart, it can be made to fit any case, and it works better retrospectively than predictively. Carol Tavris

Examples of predictive in a Sentence

unfortunately, the stock market crash of 1929 turned out to be a predictive event, for the next decade was consumed by the Great Depression
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This resistance mirrors real-world clinical outcomes, making the model more predictive for drug testing. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025 These will get stronger and more predictive as the season rolls along. Jake Ciely, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 The film starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal premiered at Telluride in late August and and wowed Toronto a week later, going on to win its predictive People’s Choice Award. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025 Using first-party data and AI predictive analytics, the company engaged with their most valuable prospects and delivered a 60% lift in media campaign performance. Partner Content, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predictive

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predictive was in 1637

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Cite this Entry

“Predictive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predictive. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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