foreseeable

adjective

fore·​see·​able fȯr-ˈsē-ə-bəl How to pronounce foreseeable (audio)
Synonyms of foreseeablenext
1
: being such as may be reasonably anticipated
foreseeable problems
foreseeable consequences
2
: lying within the range for which forecasts are possible
in the foreseeable future
foreseeability
fȯr-ˌsē-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce foreseeable (audio)
noun

Examples of foreseeable in a Sentence

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.
In other words, cities are going to be the main arbiters of robotaxi permission for the foreseeable future. — Andrew Hawkins, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026 The Hurricanes were missing a starting offensive lineman as right guard Max Buchanan is out for the foreseeable future with an injury. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 Despite a breeze, this weekend is set to be the warmest stretch for the foreseeable future. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The Court was right to enjoin the White House from enforcing this 'unconstitutional ban on the free press' for the foreseeable future. — Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foreseeable

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreseeable was in 1804

Phrases Containing foreseeable

Rhymes for foreseeable

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Browse Nearby Words

foresee
foreseeable
foreseeingly
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Cite this Entry

“Foreseeable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreseeable. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Legal Definition

foreseeable

adjective
fore·​see·​able fōr-ˈsē-ə-bəl How to pronounce foreseeable (audio)
: such as reasonably can or should be anticipated : such that a person of ordinary prudence would expect to occur or exist under the circumstances
a foreseeable risk
the foreseeable expenses
a foreseeable plaintiff
foreseeably adverb

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