predict

verb

pre·​dict pri-ˈdikt How to pronounce predict (audio)
predicted; predicting; predicts
Synonyms of predict

transitive verb

: to declare or indicate in advance
especially : foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or scientific reason
All the local forecasters are predicting rain for the weekend.
You can't predict the future.

intransitive verb

: to make a prediction
predictor
pri-ˈdik-tər How to pronounce predict (audio)
noun

Synonyms of predict

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foretell, predict, forecast, prophesy, prognosticate mean to tell beforehand.

foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

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

forecast snow

prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

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

Examples of predict in a Sentence

All the local forecasters are predicting rain for this afternoon. She claims that she can predict future events. It's hard to predict how the election will turn out. Many people predicted that the store would fail, but it has done very well. Sales are predicted to be the same as last year.
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.
Forecasters predict some areas could receive up to 20 inches of rain. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Another good choice is the Farmer’s Almanac, which lists the dates each state is predicted to reach peak foliage. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 The great physicist Albert Einstein had predicted in his theory of gravity an equivalence principle, which the scientists wondered, applied to quantum objects as well. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026 After their decades observing goatsbeard adapting to polyploidy in the lab, the Soltises can even predict which genes are most likely to get the boot and which are more likely to stick around. — Carrie Arnold contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predict

Word History

Etymology

Latin praedictus, past participle of praedicere, from prae- pre- + dicere to say — more at diction

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of predict was in 1590

Rhymes for predict

See All Rhymes for predict

Browse Nearby Words

predicatory
predict
predictability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Predict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predict. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

predict

verb
pre·​dict pri-ˈdikt How to pronounce predict (audio)
: to declare in advance : foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or reasoning
predictable
-ˈdik-tə-bəl How to pronounce predict (audio)
adjective
predictably
-blē
adverb
Etymology

from Latin praedictus, past participle of praedicere "to predict, tell ahead of time," from prae- "pre-, earlier than, before" and dicere "to say" — related to dictate

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