foretell

verb

fore·​tell fȯr-ˈtel How to pronounce foretell (audio)
foretold fȯr-ˈtōld How to pronounce foretell (audio) ; foretelling
Synonyms of foretellnext

transitive verb

: to tell beforehand : predict
foreteller noun

Synonyms of foretell

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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 foretell in a Sentence

We cannot foretell the future. a 16th-century astrologer who, some claim, accurately foretold 20th-century events
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.
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 At Saul's request, the witch summons what appears to be the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel, who foretells Saul's death in battle — raising the question of theodicy, or why an all-powerful God would allow an apparently diabolical act to occur. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026 Annabeth has grown to care for Percy, but like Thalia, his fate is possibly tied to a prophecy that foretells of him destroying or saving Olympus. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for foretell

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for foretell

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Browse Nearby Words

foretaster
foretell
foretellable
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Cite this Entry

“Foretell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foretell. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

foretell

verb
fore·​tell fōr-ˈtel How to pronounce foretell (audio)
fȯr-
foretold -ˈtōld How to pronounce foretell (audio) ; foretelling
: to tell of or describe beforehand
foreteller noun

More from Merriam-Webster on foretell

Nglish: Translation of foretell for Spanish Speakers

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