PREDICT Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

predict

verb

pri-ˈdikt

Definition of predict

as in to read

to tell of or describe beforehand I can't even begin to predict what housing prices will be like 30 years from now

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 There’s no one way to accurately predict which diseases will peak in Boise-area schools and when. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2026 And researchers cannot yet explain or predict their actions, let alone fully control them. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The competing Farmers' Almanac also predicts a wetter winter for much of the United States. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 The Patriot system tracks the missile, predicts its path and launches within minutes, all while carrying out complex calculations to ensure the interceptor finds its target. — Emma Burrows, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict

Verb

Working from an early age, her father never had the chance to go to school and to learn how to read and write.

— Tania Bryer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
She was inspired to create the program by her father, who never learned to read or write.

— Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of read

Verb

The arch will disturb the sightline between more landmarks than anticipated, the report said.

— Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Reliable, independent government reporting is an important part of the information infrastructure businesses use to understand labor supply, anticipate change and make workforce decisions.

— Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of anticipate

Verb

Ned Davis Research chief global strategist Tim Hayes also maintains a Secular Bear Watch model meant to foretell equity ice ages.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
The stitched panels foretell Helaena's own suicide and depict Rhaenyra still clinging to the Iron Throne, powerful but brutal.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of foretell

Verb

Nvidia reported results that beat expectations, while forecasting revenue to grow 70% in fiscal 2028.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Nvidia doubled its revenue and profit year-over-year in its second quarter, and forecast sales in the current quarter that topped analyst estimates, as red-hot demand for its AI chips continues to bolster the company’s fortunes.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of forecast

Verb

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker talked about focusing on the moment with Rocker and not trying to prognosticate the future for the former top pick.

— Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026
Traders eager to continue prognosticating what will happen in Iran are in luck—Kalshi has a market on who will be Khamenei’s successor.

— Kate Knibbs, Wired News, 2 Mar. 2026

Definition of prognosticate

Verb

In response, Macron warned that if American companies can switch off access to breakthroughs like turning off a light, the value of these leading US innovators could itself be damaged.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Analysts warn each ransom payment fuels more crime as armed groups, from rural bandits to Islamist militants, raid schools, mosques and villages, with an average of 21 kidnappings reported daily.

— Dyepkazah Shibayan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of warn

Verb

Their ’90s output handily presaged the logic of media like the shows that aired on Adult Swim, adapting the bounciness and surrealism of childhood stories to biting adult sensibilities.

— Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026
The backlash to the Barbara decision presages another legal and cultural battle over the meaning of the 14th Amendment and its role in the debate over who is recognized as an American citizen, observers say.

— Scott Baldauf, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026

Definition of presage

Verb

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday announced a plan to sever the Islamic Republic's financial connections around the world.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
The news comes after the movie theater announced its closure, leaving New Yorkers mourning at the loss.

— Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of announce

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“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predict. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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