prognostication

noun

prog·​nos·​ti·​ca·​tion (ˌ)präg-ˌnä-stə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce prognostication (audio)
1
: an indication in advance : foretoken
2
a
: an act, the fact, or the power of prognosticating : forecast

Examples of prognostication in a Sentence

the complete fulfillment of his prognostication surprised even him at the sight of the brooding mansion, her prognostications of ill fortune grew stronger
Recent Examples on the Web On average, Phil’s prognostications have hit the mark just under 40% of the time since 2013, according to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2024 A lot to figure out before the draft commences – like the final order, to say nothing of the combine, free agency, pro days and more – but here's our latest first-round, 2024 NFL mock draft prognostication: 1. Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024 Our six panelists, on the other hand, their choices now pruned by the academy’s own predilections, largely staked out common ground in their prognostications of the names to be called when the envelopes are opened on Oscar night. Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2024 Forecast in detail Winter isn’t over yet, but for now the groundhog’s prognostication of an early spring rings true. Molly Robey, Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2024 The prediction - or prognostication, as The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club calls it - focuses on what to expect with the weather for the next six weeks. Joe Brandt, Jim Donovan, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2024 Then there were the prognostications of what a change in weather patterns from a La Nina to El Nino may mean for North Texas. David Montesino, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Feb. 2024 Byron Wien, the longtime executive known for his market prognostications and intense networking, died at 90 on Wednesday. Laura Cooper, WSJ, 26 Oct. 2023 That means investors are watching their earnings particularly closely for prognostications about where the market is headed next. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 25 Oct. 2023

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

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prognostication was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near prognostication

Cite this Entry

“Prognostication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prognostication. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

prognostication

noun
prog·​nos·​ti·​ca·​tion (ˌ)präg-ˌnäs-tə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce prognostication (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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