PREDICT Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'predict' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of predict are forecast , foretell , prognosticate , and prophesy . While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature. // astronomers predicted an eclipse

Q: How are the words 'forecast' and 'predict' related?

Forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties. // forecast snow

Q: Where would 'foretell' be a reasonable alternative to 'predict'?

While the synonyms foretell and predict are close in meaning, foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information. // seers foretold the calamity

Q: How does the word 'prognosticate' relate to other synonyms for 'predict'?

Prognosticate is used less often than the other words; it may suggest learned or skilled interpretation, but more often it is simply a colorful substitute for predict or prophesy . // prognosticating the future

Q: When can 'prophesy' be used instead of 'predict'?

The words prophesy and predict can be used in similar contexts, but prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises. // prophesying a new messiah

predict

verb

pri-ˈdikt

Definition of predict

as in to read

to tell of or describe beforehand I can't even begin to predict what housing prices will be like 30 years from now

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How is the word predict different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of predict are forecast, foretell, prognosticate, and prophesy. While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

How are the words forecast and predict related?

Forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties.

forecast snow

Where would foretell be a reasonable alternative to predict?

While the synonyms foretell and predict are close in meaning, foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

How does the word prognosticate relate to other synonyms for predict?

Prognosticate is used less often than the other words; it may suggest learned or skilled interpretation, but more often it is simply a colorful substitute for predict or prophesy.

prognosticating the future

When can prophesy be used instead of predict?

The words prophesy and predict can be used in similar contexts, but prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of predict Both single-family housing starts and building permits fell much more sharply than analysts had predicted. — Diana Olick, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026 By the end of the decade, those seven economies’ public debt loads are expected to collectively exceed their economic production, the IMF predicts. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 Mecklenburg Board of Elections Director Michael Dickerson predicts the county will set a record for early voting turnout in a midterm election. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026 Some predict a large-scale destruction of employment in the imperial centers, although many economists counter that labor will be reallocated rather than replaced. — Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict

Verb

The economic historian Paul David wrote a paper in 1990 that anyone modeling AI productivity should read.

— Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
The couple knows reading can transform a child's path in life.

— Sharon Chin, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of read

Verb

Eventually, an edict from the top came that existing attorneys should not anticipate additions to the court teams, according to one source.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
That signal can be aggregated, correlated, and exploited by hostile foreign intelligence services to anticipate our movements, targets, and timing.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of anticipate

Verb

The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory Thursday as rain and king tides are forecast to soak South Florida.

— Miami Herald Staff Report, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
And from December through February, that stormy pattern is forecast to further accelerate, according to climate data from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

— Washington Post, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of forecast

Verb

Some 5,000 actresses were considered amid months of hysterical media prognosticating on who would wear the invisible halo next.

— Michael Callahan, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker talked about focusing on the moment with Rocker and not trying to prognosticate the future for the former top pick.

— Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026

Definition of prognosticate

Verb

As the new technology pervades the campaign trail ahead of a crucial midterm election, Ridout warned the consequences of AI ads go beyond just individual elections and have the potential to shape the very psychology of elections more broadly.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Robinson warned in an interview this month with an LGBT magazine that the Human Rights Campaign would not take such compromises lying down.

— Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of warn

Verb

Ever the showman, Musk also seemed to presage the merger last week with the unveiling of Tesla’s new superfast Roadster, which has yet to be released but was specially outfitted with SpaceX booster rockets to perform flips in midair on a livestream.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Inclusion on the list could also presage a Section 301 investigation that could lead to legal consequences or restrictive import controls on the devices.

— Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of presage

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“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predict. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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