predictive
adjective
pre·dic·tive
pri-ˈdik-tiv 
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
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
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
With automation, machine learning and predictive analytics, companies can design intelligent frameworks that continuously monitor data quality, proactively flag compliance issues and support strategic decisions with clean, reliable data.
—Deepak Yadav, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
As part of a study funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Bradley Moore, a Scripps Oceanography professor of marine biology, marine chemistry and geochemistry, worked to determine how domoic acid is produced with the hope of creating a predictive model.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025
With predictive analytics and real-time fraud detection, AI can strengthen security and provide users with peace of mind, which is often lacking in areas where financial fraud is common.
—Abhishek Gandotra, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
By building predictive maps using machine learning and collaborating with a global network of scientists, SPUN is looking for hotspots of mycorrhizal activity and identifying gaps in current conservation efforts.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for predictive
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.
Deepak Yadav, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
As part of a study funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Bradley Moore, a Scripps Oceanography professor of marine biology, marine chemistry and geochemistry, worked to determine how domoic acid is produced with the hope of creating a predictive model.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025
With predictive analytics and real-time fraud detection, AI can strengthen security and provide users with peace of mind, which is often lacking in areas where financial fraud is common.
—Abhishek Gandotra, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
By building predictive maps using machine learning and collaborating with a global network of scientists, SPUN is looking for hotspots of mycorrhizal activity and identifying gaps in current conservation efforts.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for predictive
Cite this Entry
“Predictive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predictive. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share