prognosticate

verb

präg-ˈnä-stə-ˌkāt How to pronounce prognosticate (audio)
Definition of prognosticatenext
as in to predict
to tell of or describe beforehand using current trends to prognosticate what the workplace of the future will be like

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of prognosticate are forecast, foretell, predict, and prophesy. While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," 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

How are the words forecast and predict related as synonyms of prognosticate?

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

forecast snow

When can foretell be used instead of prognosticate?

In some situations, the words foretell and prognosticate are roughly equivalent. However, foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

When is it sensible to use predict instead of prognosticate?

The meanings of predict and prognosticate largely overlap; however, predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

Where would prophesy be a reasonable alternative to prognosticate?

While the synonyms prophesy and prognosticate are close in meaning, 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 prognosticate Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, meaning the prognosticating groundhog thinks there will be six more weeks of winter, much to the disappointment of the large crowd that gathered to watch him on Monday morning. — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026 In a chaotic and unpredictable world, somebody with artificially TV-friendly looks stands in front of a map that isn’t there and attempts to prognosticate the unknowable future. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026 The new rule of thumb when prognosticating about the NBA trade deadline is to never say never — Luka Doncic is a Los Angeles Laker now — but the Nuggets are just too good to mess around with their playoff rotation over a tax bill. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026 Texas fans may not get to spend much time with Coleman, a 6-foot-3, 201-pound rising junior who’s projected as one of the top receivers in the 2027 NFL draft by ESPN and virtually every other draft prognosticating site. — Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prognosticate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prognosticate
predict
Verb
  • Susan Del Percio, a New York GOP strategist, predicted the dueling programs would excite the different constituencies of the two leaders.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
  • But predicting how things will change decades from now is a more daunting task than embracing a gauzy promise.
    — Juliet Eilperin, Washington Post, 3 July 2026
Definition of predict

Browse Nearby Words

prognostic
prognosticate
prognosticated
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Cite this Entry

“Prognosticate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prognosticate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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