predictable

adjective

pre·​dict·​able pri-ˈdik-tə-bəl How to pronounce predictable (audio)
1
: capable of being predicted : able to be known, seen, or declared in advance
a predictable reaction/outcome
a very predictable plot
changes occurring at a steady and predictable rate
2
: behaving in a way that is expected
I knew he would say that. He's so predictable.
predictability noun
By comparing the projections, meteorologists can get a measure of the weather's predictability: The less agreement among the forecasts, the less predictable the weather. Richard Monastersky

Examples of predictable in a Sentence

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.
If traffic at the brand’s stores in the lead-up to the holidays is predictable, de Taillac was more impressed by the regular lengthy queues outside Buly’s outpost in Paris’ Rue Bonaparte. Sandra Salibian, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024 The presidential race may not be called by the end of the day, but some state vote tallies will begin rolling in just after the polls, particularly where the outcome is already predictable. The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 Internal candidates are seen as safer and more predictable. Gina Riley, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Because Democrats are largely to blame for inflation The results were predictable. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for predictable 

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predictable was in 1820

Dictionary Entries Near predictable

Cite this Entry

“Predictable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predictable. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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!