predict

verb

pre·​dict pri-ˈdikt How to pronounce predict (audio)
predicted; predicting; predicts

transitive verb

: to declare or indicate in advance
especially : foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or scientific reason
predictor noun
Choose the Right Synonym for predict

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 predict in a Sentence

All the local forecasters are predicting rain for this afternoon. She claims that she can predict future events. It's hard to predict how the election will turn out. Many people predicted that the store would fail, but it has done very well. Sales are predicted to be the same as last year.
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.
Something like our turbulence prediction module might someday be inserted into bigger climate models that can do better at predicting things like hurricanes. Steve Nadis, Wired News, 1 June 2025 Spinrad visited Southern California in late May and was taken aback by the number of people raising concern over the agency’s ability to continue predicting atmospheric river events, with all of their implications on public safety, reservoir operations and hydro power. Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025 Retailers are unable to predict pricing for later in the year due to the uncertainty of where tariffs will land. Shelley E. Kohan, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 If pushed for more detail, The Athletic’s model predicts that a 2-1 PSG victory will be the most likely scoreline on the night. Mark Carey, New York Times, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for predict

Word History

Etymology

Latin praedictus, past participle of praedicere, from prae- pre- + dicere to say — more at diction

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of predict was in 1590

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predict. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

predict

verb
pre·​dict pri-ˈdikt How to pronounce predict (audio)
: to declare in advance : foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or reasoning
predictable adjective
predictably
-blē
adverb
Etymology

from Latin praedictus, past participle of praedicere "to predict, tell ahead of time," from prae- "pre-, earlier than, before" and dicere "to say" — related to dictate

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