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

Fintechs that prioritize effortless, predictive and secure user experiences have the potential to lead the industry. —Sabeer Nelliparamban, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Mature digital twins typically have multiple functions to them, and Amazon’s are primarily used for predictive and prescriptive recommendations focused on remedying issues preemptively. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 11 Mar. 2025

Infineon has deployed IoT and advanced AI capabilities in manufacturing and production for use cases such as predictive maintenance. —Bob Violino, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2025

When combined with real-time data from private sources, the predictive capabilities would far exceed what any current system can achieve. —Allison Stanger, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for predictive

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