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 Years ago, experts predicted that checks would have disappeared by now. — Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 24 July 2026 And yet the consequences of such measures are hard to predict. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026 Only 10 times since 1992 has the media’s preseason predicted champion proceeded to win the SEC title game. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 By 2030, Ember predicts such hybrids will win over LNG across all of Asia. — Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for predict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict

Verb

Arteaga read a list with the names, ages and home countries of all 23 people killed.

— Noah Vinsky July 25, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026
Sovereignty is the word carrying the most weight in the letter, and most coverage reads it as a trade term.

— Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of read

Verb

Now Iran keeps opening and closing it, and together with Oman, the Arab nation on the other side of the strait, is anticipating charging tolls.

— Ron Kampeas, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026
Service is highly personalized and accessible with the touch of a button, with butlers trained to anticipate and respond to guest needs and preferences.

— Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of anticipate

Verb

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
The prophecy of the film’s success was foretold when 70mm screening tickets for The Odyssey sold out quickly upon release one year before the movie was set to debut, according to The Los Angeles Times.

— Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 19 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

Looking ahead Audemard, the retired geologist who warned about a large-scale earthquake for years, said the experts’ recommendations need to be reflected in laws and building codes.

— Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
Critics warn that dramatic increases could force small businesses to reduce hiring, automate more jobs, or raise prices.

— Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 24 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

In March, dozens of countries around the world announced a release of 400 million barrels of oil into the global market in order to keep a lid on prices.

— Christine Romans, NBC news, 25 July 2026
San Jose recorded 1 million total downtown visits during the six-week FIFA World Cup, officials announced Friday — a final count over 2 ½ times initial projections — driven by energetic watch parties and strong fan culture in the city.

— Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 25 July 2026

Definition of announce

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“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predict. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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