prophecy

noun

proph·​e·​cy ˈprä-fə-sē How to pronounce prophecy (audio)
variants or less commonly prophesy
plural prophecies also prophesies
Synonyms of prophecy
1
: an inspired utterance of a prophet
2
: the function or vocation of a prophet
specifically : the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose
3
: a prediction of something to come

Synonyms of prophecy

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Examples of prophecy in a Sentence

The prophecies of the author have all come true. She has the gift of prophecy.
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.
Once McBride is out of sight, Gillis kidnaps the oracle in hopes of taking advantage of his weather prophecies. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 These fictional chips are then summoned into existence by the delusional commitment of more than two million chip-industry employees to the perpetuation of a self-fulfilling prophecy. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 In the road movie, which is Thailand’s international Oscar feature film submission, a prophecy prompts an aging grandmother to embark on a nine-temple pilgrimage with her children and grandchildren. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026 The film, which debuted at Cannes, follows Sakol, who, after hearing a prophecy that his elderly mother may die soon, sets out on a one-day pilgrimage to nine temples as a remedy. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prophecy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prophecie, prophesie, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin prophētīa, borrowed from Greek prophēteía "gift of interpreting the will of the gods, interpretation of a god's will," (New Testament) "gift of speaking, preaching and expounding scripture under the Holy Spirit's influence," from prophḗtēs prophet + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prophecy was in the 13th century

Rhymes for prophecy

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Browse Nearby Words

prophase
prophecy
prophesier
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

prophecy

noun
proph·​e·​cy ˈpräf-ə-sē How to pronounce prophecy (audio)
plural prophecies
1
: the sayings of a prophet
2
: the foretelling of the future
the gift of prophecy
3
: something foretold : prediction

More from Merriam-Webster on prophecy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prophecy

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