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

Examples of predict in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web As a result, campaigns, political action committees and nonprofit groups can tap into the public data to try to influence and predict your vote. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024 Amid skepticism over the accuracy of opinion polls and betting markets to predict the presidential election, another set of data could offer some fresh insight. Jason Ma, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2024 By analyzing patterns such as meeting overload, after-hours work, and email volume, Microsoft can predict where burnout might occur and take proactive steps to prevent it. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 Furthermore, experts predict that sea levels along the Gulf will be 14 to 18 inches higher by 2050, adding to the problem. Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for predict 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict
Verb
  • There’s plenty of space to spread out, from the sunroom and living area to the gorgeous outdoor areas equipped with plenty of seating for afternoon reads and aperitivo hour.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Wilson then began reading the list into her microphone.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • While web3 integration does not seem absolutely required to participate in the gaming experience, analysts anticipate most players engaging with these features for the full gaming experience.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
  • But those appearances were anticipated in advance, the candidates didn’t pop in days before the general election.
    Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Seeing far How specifically will the ability to foretell design trends benefit a designer in his or her work?
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
  • Confidence can foretell consumer spending, which makes up 70% of the economy.
    Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 27 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • The National Weather Service forecasted an extreme impact storm on Friday and into Saturday across south-central and southeastern Colorado with heavy, wet snow and high winds expected.
    Bruce Finley, The Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Hims & Hers also forecast rosy full-year and current-quarter revenue guidance.
    Brian Evans, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • There was also the larger error of anointing Harris without political competition — an insult to the democratic process that handed the nomination to a candidate who, as some of us warned at the time, was exceptionally weak.
    Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • There was no evacuation warning ahead of the air raid.
    Reuters, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Relying on polls and the prognosticating reputation of their Washington correspondent, editors announced the victory of Republican New York Gov. Thomas Dewey over the incumbent president, Democrat Harry S. Truman.
    Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
  • That comes on the heels of the stock’s biggest single-day gain since May 2011, as shares leapt 22% in Thursday trading after the company’s earnings report smashed analyst forecasts for third-quarter profits and Musk prognosticated up to 30% vehicle delivery growth in 2025.
    Derek Saul, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • All of this may presage the future—the new Lambo lineup is now plug-in hybrid, and the fully electric Lanzador grand tourer will allegedly arrive in 2028.
    Brett Berk, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2024
  • But because the Arizona call presaged Trump’s defeat, Fox was scolded and second-guessed by many of its own viewers, including the sitting president.
    Brian Stelter, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Cincinnati leads 14-7. Copied Share Kyle Hamilton is questionable to return Rohan Nadkarni The Ravens announced Kyle Hamilton is questionable to come back tonight with an ankle injury.
    NBC News, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • The location of Eilish's official merchandise trucks has yet to be announced.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near predict

Cite this Entry

“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predict. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on predict

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