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.
Scroll down to the bottom of the story for the latest prediction market odds of who is going to win. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2026 First, ignore my colleague’s predictions, which all have Argentina netting three or four goals to Cape Verde’s zero. — Alex Connor, USA Today, 3 July 2026 Already, researchers have built prediction models that outperform goalies at identifying the direction of penalty kicks. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 3 July 2026 As always, Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi answer our most pressing questions and make predictions about the upcoming race. — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 4 July 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 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on prediction

Nglish: Translation of prediction for Spanish Speakers

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