foretell

verb

fore·​tell fȯr-ˈtel 

foretold fȯr-ˈtōld  ; foretelling

transitive verb

: to tell beforehand : predict

foreteller noun

Synonyms

• augur
• call
• forecast
• predict
• presage
• prognosticate
• prophesy
• read
• vaticinate

Choose the Right Synonym for foretell

foretell, predict, forecast, prophesy, prognosticate mean to tell beforehand.

foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

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

forecast snow

prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

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

Examples of foretell in a Sentence

We cannot foretell the future.

a 16th-century astrologer who, some claim, accurately foretold 20th-century events

Recent Examples on the Web

Seeing far How specifically will the ability to foretell design trends benefit a designer in his or her work? —Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Confidence can foretell consumer spending, which makes up 70% of the economy. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 27 Oct. 2024

That flash point foretells an America becoming more polarized the hotter things get, more sharply divided between its rural and urban communities and more hateful and more dangerous. —Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2024

Since then, that number has only continued to dwindle, foretelling the eventual closure of its brick-and-mortar locations amid competition from Target, Walmart and online retailers. —Sara Belcher, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

foretell

verb

fore·​tell fōr-ˈtel 

fȯr-

foretold -ˈtōld  ; foretelling

: to tell of or describe beforehand

foreteller noun