predetermine
verb
pre·de·ter·mine
ˌprē-di-ˈtər-mən 
predetermined; predetermining; predetermines
1
a
b
: to determine beforehand
2
: to impose a direction or tendency on beforehand
Examples of predetermine in a Sentence
The sex of the child is predetermined when the egg is fertilized.
religious sects that believe that an individual's salvation has been predetermined by God
Recent Examples on the Web
The Cowboys were predetermined to give up a home game in 2026 for an international destination, although the possibility of the team traveling to Melbourne, Australia, was on the table before the league selected the San Francisco 49ers to play the Los Angeles Rams Down Under.
—
Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Feb. 2026
Some items now available at the fest, which began Jan 30, will go away at a predetermined (and published) date, replaced by other items that will, in turn, be bumped for a third option.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Yet, some people believe that the game is rigged and predetermined each year.
—Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 5 Feb. 2026
The outcome is essentially predetermined, having been set behind closed doors by party insiders weeks before ballots are cast.
—Grace Rauh, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for predetermine
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.
Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Feb. 2026
Some items now available at the fest, which began Jan 30, will go away at a predetermined (and published) date, replaced by other items that will, in turn, be bumped for a third option.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Yet, some people believe that the game is rigged and predetermined each year.
—Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 5 Feb. 2026
The outcome is essentially predetermined, having been set behind closed doors by party insiders weeks before ballots are cast.
—Grace Rauh, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for predetermine
Cite this Entry
“Predetermine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predetermine. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
predetermine
verb
pre·de·ter·mine
ˌprēd-i-ˈtər-mən
1
2
: to decide or settle beforehand
meet at a predetermined place
predetermination
noun
-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
