predict

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of predict are forecast, foretell, prognosticate, and prophesy. While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

How are the words forecast and predict related?

Forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties.

forecast snow

Where would foretell be a reasonable alternative to predict?

While the synonyms foretell and predict are close in meaning, foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

How does the word prognosticate relate to other synonyms for predict?

Prognosticate is used less often than the other words; it may suggest learned or skilled interpretation, but more often it is simply a colorful substitute for predict or prophesy.

prognosticating the future

When can prophesy be used instead of predict?

The words prophesy and predict can be used in similar contexts, but prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of predict The contest asks them to try to predict the outcome of a sporting event and creates personal or pecuniary consequences for their prediction. Made By History, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025 The team regressed to the mean from there and finished fourth in the Mountain West, which was where it was predicted in the preseason media poll that assumed Waters would be available. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025 Gloomy fans predicted that Willard, like his predecessor Mark Turgeon, would never lift the program’s ceiling. Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 20 Mar. 2025 Women possessed by the gods were oracles, predicting the future in cryptic utterances. Vipin Bharathan, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict
Verb
  • On Sunday night, as Hell Week began, our class leader read the full speech aloud—his way of aligning and inspiring us for the grueling days ahead.
    Brent Gleeson, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Keep reading for our go-to wrinkle-removing methods that work in a pinch.
    Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The fans who showed up Stadium Court on Thursday anticipated a tough, close match, as did Gauff.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Analysts anticipate that Klarna's buy now, pay later integration into DoorDash could serve as a test case for further adoption in the on-demand economy.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Consider Isaiah 42, for example, in which God proclaims his promise of salvation and foretells the coming of the Messiah.
    Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, TIME, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The Sibyl appears in the epigraph of The Wasteland, unable to foretell her own death.
    Vipin Bharathan, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • These models are trained to understand and predict properties of potential drugs and gene therapies, helping researchers identify promising candidates and even forecast clinical trial outcomes.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Data and forecasting firm S&P Global Mobility reports there are on average 20,000 parts in a vehicle when it is torn down to its nuts and bolts.
    Michele Luhn, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Retailers are sounding the alarm Executives at America’s retail stores have recently warned of consumers feeling stretched and becoming cautious of their spending.
    Bryan Mena, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025
  • However, as Strickland and his colleagues warn, this same capability could also be a stepping stone to more sophisticated forms of deception—an unsettling thought in the context of alignment faking and AI’s ability to manipulate human oversight.
    Craig S. Smith, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Most other publications didn’t even bother prognosticating.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Utah The Hotline undoubtedly has a more optimistic view of Utah’s prospects than most others in the prognosticating business.
    Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Quarterback’s global success presaged Christmas Day NFL action.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 25 Feb. 2025
  • But instead, many trade experts warn, Mr. Trump’s action could presage a global shift toward higher tariffs.
    Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The North Carolina Department of Public Safety announced a mandatory evacuation on Saturday for parts of Polk County in western North Carolina, about 80 miles west of Charlotte.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro suspended flights on March 8, after the U.S. Treasury Department announced the withdrawal of Chevron’s license to export Venezuelan oil.
    ASSOCIATED PRESS, TIME, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predict. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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