prediction

noun

pre·​dic·​tion pri-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce prediction (audio)
1
: an act of predicting
2
: something that is predicted : forecast

Examples of prediction in a Sentence

Journalists have begun making predictions about the winner of the coming election. Despite predictions that the store would fail, it has done very well. The figures and statistics are used for the prediction of future economic trends.
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.
Contract predictions have ranged all the way to $600 million for the 26-year-old. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 For the latter, keep an eye on space weather forecasts from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center to track geomagnetic storm predictions. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 But by March 2025, that number had climbed to 16.49 million, surpassing earlier predictions by 3.69%. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025 There's also a migration prediction map that shows upcoming nocturnal migrations. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prediction

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prediction was in 1561

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prediction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prediction. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

prediction

noun
pre·​dic·​tion pri-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce prediction (audio)
1
: an act of predicting
2
: something predicted : forecast
a prediction that there would be an earthquake
predictive
-ˈdik-tiv
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on prediction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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