foreknow

verb

(ˌ)fȯr-ˈnō How to pronounce foreknow (audio)
Definition of foreknownext
as in to anticipate
to realize or know about beforehand what couple can possibly foreknow the trials and tribulations that marriage will bring?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word foreknow different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of foreknow are anticipate, divine, and foresee. While all these words mean "to know beforehand," foreknow usually implies supernatural assistance, as through revelation.

if only we could foreknow our own destinies

When might anticipate be a better fit than foreknow?

In some situations, the words anticipate and foreknow are roughly equivalent. However, anticipate implies taking action about or responding emotionally to something before it happens.

the waiter anticipated our every need

How are the words divine and foresee related as synonyms of foreknow?

Divine adds to foresee the suggestion of exceptional wisdom or discernment.

was able to divine Europe's rapid recovery from the war

In what contexts can foresee take the place of foreknow?

Although the words foresee and foreknow have much in common, foresee implies nothing about how the knowledge is derived and may apply to ordinary reasoning and experience.

economists should have foreseen the recession

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foreknow
  1. anticipate
  2. foresee
  3. predict
Verb
  • The Trustees anticipate that Medicare will face a substantial financial shortfall.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Wind gusts of up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) are anticipated.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of anticipate
Verb
  • The storms are foreseen to bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches).
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Wind gusts of up to 50 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) are foreseen.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of foresee
Verb
  • Analysts predict earnings of $0.72 per share with sales of $11.17 billion for the forthcoming report, compared to sales of $11.23 billion and earnings of $0.72 per share for the same quarter the previous year.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • No one predicted that diminutive quarterback Dillon Gabriel would go in the top 100 picks, but the Browns selected the Oregon passer at No. 94 Friday night.
    — Zac Jackson, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of predict
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.

Browse Nearby Words

foreknew
foreknow
foreknowing
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Cite this Entry

“Foreknow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foreknow. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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