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

Here, traffic optimization isn’t just a single system’s job; fleets of autonomous vehicles, interconnected traffic lights, and predictive analytics engines work as coordinated agents, dynamically rerouting vehicles and minimizing congestion. —Cathy Hackl, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

Additionally, diversifying suppliers and using predictive analytics can help companies navigate trade disruptions and tariff fluctuations, creating a more resilient sourcing strategy. —Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 20 Mar. 2025

Researchers are also working to identify predictive biomarkers that would fine-tune treatment. —Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2025

With more predictive timing and accuracy of incoming storms, under the new plan, each dam could release water earlier in the season, creating space in reservoirs to capture more runoff, potentially increasing overall water supply. —Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for predictive

• addictive
• constrictive
• restrictive
• vindictive
• fictive
• magnetostrictive