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 Romo’s acumen for predicting game play drew notice almost immediately, and lent new polish to a broadcast that has been around since the days of Brent Musburger and Pat Summerall. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 31 July 2026 Earlier this year, Nordstrom beauty director Autumne West singled out fruity notes as a 2026 fragrance trend to know—predicting them to be more popular than ever. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026 Friday temperatures are predicted to have a high of 105 with a low of 82, with a heat index that reaches 110. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026 Federal deficits will eventually cause lenders to charge a higher premium on public and private borrowers, Brusuelas predicted. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for predict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict

Verb

That is a huge example that the writer of the Gospel of Mark read Homer.

— John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Alright, read on for some hints and clues for today’s Wordle, plus today’s Bonus Wordle.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of read

Verb

Fernando anticipates an impact crater nearly 90 feet across and 16 feet deep (27 meters across and 5 meters deep), too small to see from Earth but visible to spacecraft.

— Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
First, the system has been overwhelmed with disputes — millions more than government officials had anticipated.

— Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of anticipate

Verb

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

Definition of foretell

Verb

Court records show that in early 2022, Arbuckle managed a team of more than 20 and helped forecast loan demand across major sectors of the bank, including corporate, commercial, wealth management and small-business banking.

— Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Of course, bond yields track many factors beyond forecasting FOMC’s decisions, but expectations of rising interests rates can help drive bond yields higher.

— Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 30 July 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

Authorities say individuals have been detained as part of the investigation and warn that more of the tainted cocaine may have been sold in the area.

— Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Only five vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, according to marine traffic data, after the Iranian military warned the channel would be closed so long as US strikes persist.

— Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Definition of warn

Verb

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
Yet the book is also about the disappearance of time and places, with summer’s end presaging more permanent losses.

— Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

Definition of presage

Verb

Developers of The District at Ten Mile, a 220-acre commercial project near the Ten Mile Road and I-84 interchange in Meridian, have announced more than a dozen new businesses coming to the site.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 1 Aug. 2026
In 2024, Inpro announced the Mint Hill location at 10681 Clear Creek Commerce Drive, according to a statement from the company.

— Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of announce

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“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predict. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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