PROPHESY Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'prophesy' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of prophesy are forecast , foretell , predict , and prognosticate . While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises. // prophesying a new messiah

Q: How are the words 'forecast' and 'predict' related as synonyms of 'prophesy'?

Forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties. // forecast snow

Q: When is 'foretell' a more appropriate choice than 'prophesy'?

The words foretell and prophesy can be used in similar contexts, but 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: When can 'predict' be used instead of 'prophesy'?

The meanings of predict and prophesy largely overlap; however, predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature. // astronomers predicted an eclipse

Q: How does the word 'prognosticate' relate to other synonyms for 'prophesy'?

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

prophesy

verb

ˈprä-fə-ˌsī

Definition of prophesy

as in to predict

to tell of or describe beforehand holy men were prophesying the coming of a new messiah

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of prophesy are forecast, foretell, predict, and prognosticate. While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

How are the words forecast and predict related as synonyms of prophesy?

Forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties.

forecast snow

When is foretell a more appropriate choice than prophesy?

The words foretell and prophesy can be used in similar contexts, but foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

When can predict be used instead of prophesy?

The meanings of predict and prophesy largely overlap; however, predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

How does the word prognosticate relate to other synonyms for prophesy?

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

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 prophesy Hall was raised in large part by a single mother—who, perhaps prophesying her son’s eventual vocation in Hollywood, was named Annie Hall. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026 In the Bible the Antichrist is a figure prophesied to oppose Jesus Christ and substitute himself as a false savior before the Second Coming. — Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026 She’s taken, perversely, with John the Baptist, imprisoned in a cistern and prophesying doom for the decadent, Godless heathens, Salome in particular. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026 In his autobiography, Wright discusses how his mother prophesied his future as an architect, decorating his nursery with buildings to encourage this development. — Carrie Hojnicki, Architectural Digest, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prophesy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prophesy

Verb

Susan Del Percio, a New York GOP strategist, predicted the dueling programs would excite the different constituencies of the two leaders.

— Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
But predicting how things will change decades from now is a more daunting task than embracing a gauzy promise.

— Juliet Eilperin, Washington Post, 3 July 2026

Definition of predict

Verb

Anyone who thinks that the differences between these sects are minor is invited to read about the wars, massacres and persecutions that erupted between them in the 16th and 17th centuries.

— Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Others may miss the warmth of a person who can read the room, handle a strange request or help when something goes wrong.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of read

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“Prophesy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prophesy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of prophesy

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