prediction

noun

pre·​dic·​tion pri-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce prediction (audio)
Synonyms of prediction
1
: an act of predicting
2
: something that is predicted : forecast

Synonyms of prediction

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Examples of prediction in a Sentence

Journalists have begun making predictions about the winner of the coming election. Despite predictions that the store would fail, it has done very well. The figures and statistics are used for the prediction of future economic trends.
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.
See Pete Sweeney’s Chiefs-Seahawks game prediction (and the betting line) here. — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026 Charlotte Observer score predictions Alex Zietlow remained perfect last week after choosing the Panthers over the Eagles. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026 The gap between those predictions and the reality on the ground suggests many observers have overstated the likelihood of war. — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo warning military personnel against using nonpublic information to make bets on prediction markets, saying the wagers could give important clues to enemy countries. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prediction

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prediction was in 1561

Rhymes for prediction

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Browse Nearby Words

predicted firing
prediction
predictive
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Cite this Entry

“Prediction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prediction. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prediction

noun
pre·​dic·​tion pri-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce prediction (audio)
1
: an act of predicting
2
: something predicted : forecast
a prediction that there would be an earthquake
predictive
-ˈdik-tiv
adjective
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