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

predictively adverb

Like an astrological chart, it can be made to fit any case, and it works better retrospectively than predictively.

—Carol Tavris

Synonyms

• prophetic
• prophetical

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

His pioneering work with the FE Platform showcases his forward-thinking approach, positioning the platform to lead advancements in predictive analytics, sophisticated fraud detection, and hyper-personalized recommendations. —Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 7 Aug. 2024

Stone is known more for passionately backing movies than for harshly panning them, and her predictive instincts have been strong over the years. —Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Aug. 2024

Additionally, fans can win prizes for participating in predictive picks and polls. —Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2024

Increasingly, voters also believe Harris can win — a measure that in the past has sometimes proved more predictive than head-to-head polling. —David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1