Synonym Chooser

How is the word foreknow different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of foreknow are anticipate, divine, and foresee. While all these words mean "to know beforehand," foreknow usually implies supernatural assistance, as through revelation.

if only we could foreknow our own destinies

When might anticipate be a better fit than foreknow?

In some situations, the words anticipate and foreknow are roughly equivalent. However, anticipate implies taking action about or responding emotionally to something before it happens.

the waiter anticipated our every need

How are the words divine and foresee related as synonyms of foreknow?

Divine adds to foresee the suggestion of exceptional wisdom or discernment.

was able to divine Europe's rapid recovery from the war

In what contexts can foresee take the place of foreknow?

Although the words foresee and foreknow have much in common, foresee implies nothing about how the knowledge is derived and may apply to ordinary reasoning and experience.

economists should have foreseen the recession

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foreknow
Verb
  • Read the full Cancer Daily Horoscope Leo (July 23 - August 22) Stuck in the past or anticipating the future?
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The previous seasons culminated in all-time excitement at the start of this campaign, which many considered the most anticipated in recent history.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Experts also foresee a rise in crimes, online harassment and diminished human agency and new challenges in security.
    Hessie Jones, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) are foreseen.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Models predict that most meteorites – over half – should also be carbonaceous.
    Patrick M. Shober, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Imagine walking into a meeting where one project manager is using AI to automate reporting, predict risks, and optimize resources in real-time, while another is still relying on manual tracking and outdated tools.
    Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Foreknow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foreknow. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on foreknow

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