predictive

adjective

pre·​dic·​tive pri-ˈdik-tiv How to pronounce predictive (audio)
Synonyms of predictivenext
1
: of, relating to, or usable or valuable for prediction
predictive medical factors
2
: based on or generated by using methods of prediction
predictive models
predictive text
Usually predictive policing refers to feeding reams of city data into a computer and dispatching extra officers to areas that are deemed to be at high risk of future crime.—Leon Neyfakh
predictively adverb
Like an astrological chart, it can be made to fit any case, and it works better retrospectively than predictively. —Carol Tavris

Synonyms of predictive

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Examples of predictive in a Sentence

unfortunately, the stock market crash of 1929 turned out to be a predictive event, for the next decade was consumed by the Great Depression
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.
Satellites generate the data, AI turns it into predictive intelligence, and governments, emergency responders and businesses convert those insights into coordinated action. — Karryl Kim Sagun Trajano, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026 There’s also tech that goes beyond basic retargeting to predictive styling feeds. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 As before, the Maybach boasts Airmatic air suspension, but with the addition of predictive damping. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 29 July 2026 Cleaning a dataset, building a dashboard, developing a predictive model is becoming more democratic than ever before. — Nino Letteriello, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for predictive

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predictive was in 1637

Rhymes for predictive

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Browse Nearby Words

prediction
predictive
predictory
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Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of predictive for Spanish Speakers

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