predict

verb

pri-ˈdikt How to pronounce predict (audio)
Definition of predictnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 predict Edwards and other experts predict the government will rely on an existing bank partner rather than build a new system from scratch. —Dan Avery, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025 In the report, Audemars Piguet’s CEO Ilaria Resta said that increasing numbers of women were coming to the brand for mechanical watches, which led her to predict that by 2030, 40 to 45 percent of the buyers would be female. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025 Conservative commentator Bill O’Reilly predicts Democrats will have success in the 2026 midterm elections if President Trump does not do more to improve the economy. —Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025 Trump, in attendance for the game, predicted that the Chiefs would make history, but the Eagles took an early lead and never looked back. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict
  1. read
  2. anticipate
  3. foretell
  4. forecast
  5. warn
  6. prognosticate
  7. presage
  8. announce
Verb
  • Throughout the night, Booker read letters from constituents worried about losing access to affordable health care, emphasizing that these concerns were not abstract but deeply personal for millions of people.
    — Nik Popli, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The New Jersey Democrat at times read letters from constituents affected by actions by the administrations in its opening months.
    — Al Weaver, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of read
Verb
  • Wang said the ride to space was much smoother than anticipated, noting that only the final minute before the engines cut off on the second stage was significant.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The second time was long anticipated by the members of my Brownie Troop.
    — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of anticipate
Verb
  • Investors and financial analysts are well aware of bear markets and what such a situation could foretell for the economy.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Teams use it as a chance to test younger players and warm up their starters — so a strong spring record doesn't necessarily foretell regular season success.
    — Jessica Boehm, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of foretell
Verb
  • Data and forecasting firm S&P Global Mobility reports there are on average 20,000 parts in a vehicle when it is torn down to its nuts and bolts.
    — Michele Luhn, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2025
  • These models are trained to understand and predict properties of potential drugs and gene therapies, helping researchers identify promising candidates and even forecast clinical trial outcomes.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of forecast
Verb
  • This rare dissent comes as the stock market shows signs of volatility, and economists warn the tariffs could trigger a recession.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Take the quiz here … TOURIST TERROR – US embassy in hot spot issues assault warning for women renting jet skis.
    — FOXNews.com, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of warn
Verb
  • But our sorry showing in the early rounds undercuts any claim to prognosticating success.
    — Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Most other publications didn’t even bother prognosticating.
    — Dan Freedman, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of prognosticate
Verb
  • This belief justified, in their eyes, the use of indiscriminate violence against the Muslim minority—presaging, in Wagner’s view, the abuses of the post-9/11 era.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Quarterback’s global success presaged Christmas Day NFL action.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of presage
Verb
  • Just last month, Krispy Kreme also announced another collection of limited-time treats as a part of its annual Chocomania celebrations.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Last week, President Trump, against the advice of almost every professional economist, announced substantial tariffs on almost every country in the world, thereby launching an economic war--a global trade war.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of announce

Browse Nearby Words

predicating
predict
predictability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predict. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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