predict

verb

pre·​dict pri-ˈdikt How to pronounce predict (audio)
predicted; predicting; predicts
Synonyms of predictnext

transitive verb

: to declare or indicate in advance
especially : foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or scientific reason

intransitive verb

: to make a prediction
predictor
pri-ˈdik-tər How to pronounce predict (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for predict

foretell, predict, forecast, prophesy, prognosticate mean to tell beforehand.

foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

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

forecast snow

prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

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

Examples of predict in a Sentence

All the local forecasters are predicting rain for this afternoon. She claims that she can predict future events. It's hard to predict how the election will turn out. Many people predicted that the store would fail, but it has done very well. Sales are predicted to be the same as last year.
Recent Examples on the Web The company, perhaps not surprisingly, focused on the positive rather than the negative and predicted good things on the horizon. —Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 3 Apr. 2024 Last December, the veteran market watcher even predicted the S&P 500 would surge 30% to 6,000 by the end of 2025, a price target that seems far less sensational after the blue chip index’s more than 10% year-to-date rise. —Will Daniel, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for predict 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'predict.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin praedictus, past participle of praedicere, from prae- pre- + dicere to say — more at diction

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of predict was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near predict

predicatory

predict

predictable

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predict. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

predict

verb
pre·​dict pri-ˈdikt How to pronounce predict (audio)
: to declare in advance : foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or reasoning
predictable
-ˈdik-tə-bəl How to pronounce predict (audio)
adjective
predictably
-blē
adverb
Etymology

from Latin praedictus, past participle of praedicere "to predict, tell ahead of time," from prae- "pre-, earlier than, before" and dicere "to say" — related to dictate

More from Merriam-Webster on predict

Nglish: Translation of predict for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of predict for Arabic Speakers

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