precognition

noun

pre·​cog·​ni·​tion ˌprē-(ˌ)käg-ˈni-shən How to pronounce precognition (audio)
Synonyms of precognitionnext
: clairvoyance relating to an event or state not yet experienced
precognitive
(ˌ)prē-ˈkäg-nə-tiv How to pronounce precognition (audio)
adjective

Examples of precognition in a Sentence

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.
Ancient oracles claim to have precognition, an insight into the future. — Vipin Bharathan, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 During his time in Aberfan, Barker tactfully but doggedly set about recording examples of precognition that came his way. — Kathryn Hughes, The New York Review of Books, 19 Oct. 2022 More daringly, Barker thought that proving the existence of precognition would overturn the basic human understanding of linear time. — Ian Beacock, The New Republic, 25 Aug. 2022 But in behavioral science, many scholars point to an article published in a mainstream psychology journal in 2011 claiming evidence of precognition — that is, the ability to sense the future. — Noam Scheiber, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2023 Not just that, his powers include reality warping, matter and energy manipulation, energy projection, and all kinds of psionic abilities, such as telekinesis, telepathy, astral projection, and even precognition. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin praecognition-, praecognitio, from Latin praecognoscere to know beforehand, from prae- + cognoscere to know — more at cognition

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of precognition was in the 15th century

Rhymes for precognition

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Browse Nearby Words

precogitate
precognition
precognitive
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Cite this Entry

“Precognition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precognition. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

precognition

noun
pre·​cog·​ni·​tion ˌprē-(ˌ)käg-ˈnish-ən How to pronounce precognition (audio)
: clairvoyance relating to an event or state not yet experienced compare psychokinesis, telekinesis
precognitive
-ˈkäg-nət-iv How to pronounce precognition (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on precognition

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for precognition

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about precognition

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