predict

verb

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

transitive verb

: to declare or indicate in advance
especially : foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or scientific reason
predictor noun
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 Looking ahead, federal officials predict overall food prices will keep climbing, but at a much slower rate: up 1.6% in 2024 versus 5% in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Price Outlook. Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 10 Mar. 2024 Highs are only predicted to reach 50 to 55 Saturday and Monday and 45 to 50 on Sunday. Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 Biden warned that the GOP underestimated the power of women to mobilize, referencing past wins when reproductive freedom was on the ballot and predicting a win again in 2024. Deirdre Walsh, NPR, 8 Mar. 2024 As late as last fall, economists were predicting much more modest employment increases, with hiring concentrated in a few industries. Lydia Depillis, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 For the first century of dinosaur science, paleontologists imagined titanosaurs as giant, overgrown reptiles – and used reptilian growth rates to predict their milestones. Kristi Curry Rogers, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024 Local political analysts had predicted that the crowded race to replace Eshoo would be a close one — especially given the relatively short campaign season that kicked off in late November when the congresswoman announced her retirement. Grace Hase, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2024 The district has also predicted an even larger $164 million unrestricted shortfall for the following school year, in 2025-2026. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 The agency is predicting moderate rain and snow on Sunday morning with lingering mountain snow showers in the afternoon. Sarah Linn, Sacramento Bee, 27 Feb. 2024

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

Cite this Entry

“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predict. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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 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

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