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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foreknow
Verb
  • Major travel disruptions, with flight delays and cancellations, are also anticipated, given these areas are not equipped to handle winter weather, Mr. Chenard added.
    Nazaneen Ghaffar, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025
  • With two more films expected to debut later in the month, the total is anticipated to reach 74.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This familiarity enables them to make informed decisions, foresee obstacles, and craft solutions that are uniquely suited to your organization.
    Don Yaeger, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The chaos and fear that would soon unfold couldn't be foreseen at the time, but would mark the start of a period marked by uncertainty and public health transformation.
    Sam Woodward, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • All three investors predict that crude oil prices will rise this time around.
    Lisa Kailai Han,Gabriel Cortés, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Few could have predicted the lineup of artists chosen to perform, but Snoop Dogg, Nelly, Soulja Boy, and Rick Ross—four figures deeply ingrained in the fabric of hip-hop—are in the number of artists slated to perform to mark this controversial moment in history.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 20 Jan. 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.

Thesaurus Entries Near foreknow

Cite this Entry

“Foreknow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foreknow. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on foreknow

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