divination

noun

div·​i·​na·​tion ˌdi-və-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce divination (audio)
Synonyms of divination
1
: the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers
2
: unusual insight : intuitive perception
divinatory
də-ˈvi-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce divination (audio)
də-ˈvī-nə-, 
ˈdi-və-nə-
adjective

Synonyms of divination

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Examples of divination in a Sentence

the art of reading tea leaves and other forms of divination if her powers of divination are so great, why doesn't she know what the stock market will do?
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.
That’s the practice of fortune-telling or divination using a deck of cards. — Caitlin Dewey, Vox, 22 Oct. 2026 Oracles, prophets and practices of divination offered guidance from inscrutable or enigmatic sources when ordinary human judgment reached its limits. — Ambuj Tewari, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026 Kylie’s divinations lead her to a small English town called Thornfield. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026 Other common practices among Druids include the celebration of seasonal festivals, meditation, and divination. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for divination

Word History

Etymology

Middle English divinacioun, from Latin divination-, divinatio, from divinare — see divine entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of divination was in the 14th century

Rhymes for divination

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Browse Nearby Words

divil
divination
divinator
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Cite this Entry

“Divination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divination. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

divination

noun
div·​i·​na·​tion ˌdiv-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce divination (audio)
: the art or practice of using omens or magic powers to foretell the future

More from Merriam-Webster on divination

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about divination

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