divination

noun

div·​i·​na·​tion ˌdi-və-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce divination (audio)
Synonyms of divination
1
: the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers
2
: unusual insight : intuitive perception
divinatory
də-ˈvi-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce divination (audio)
də-ˈvī-nə-, 
ˈdi-və-nə-
adjective

Synonyms of divination

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Examples of divination in a Sentence

the art of reading tea leaves and other forms of divination if her powers of divination are so great, why doesn't she know what the stock market will do?
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The competition series featured masters of shamanism, tarot, face and foot reading, saju and other divination disciplines competing in challenges that tested their abilities, using tools including fans, bells, dowsing rods and modern-day laptops. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 July 2026 The dichotomy exists then and now, which is why Plath’s work has longevity, and tarot is still a powerful form of divination because both speak to the soul. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 Similar motives may be powering the fast-growing market for divination, astrology and tarot reading apps. — CNN Money, 8 July 2026 The second part centers on tarot as a tool of divination and creative inspiration, beginning with the iconic 1909 Rider-Waite-Smith deck and moving on to art works from the twentieth century into the present day. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for divination

Word History

Etymology

Middle English divinacioun, from Latin divination-, divinatio, from divinare — see divine entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of divination was in the 14th century

Rhymes for divination

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Browse Nearby Words

divil
divination
divinator
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Cite this Entry

“Divination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divination. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

divination

noun
div·​i·​na·​tion ˌdiv-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce divination (audio)
: the art or practice of using omens or magic powers to foretell the future

More from Merriam-Webster on divination

Nglish: Translation of divination for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about divination

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