foretell

verb

fore·tell | \ fȯr-ˈtel

foretold\ fȯr-ˈtōld

\; foretelling

Definition of foretell

transitive verb

: to tell beforehand : predict

Other Words from foretell Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about foretell

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Choose the Right Synonym for foretell

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

foretell, predict, and forecast mean to tell about or announce something before it happens. foretell is used when the future is revealed especially by extraordinary powers. The wizards foretold a great war. predict is used for a fairly exact statement that is the result of the gathering of information and the use of scientific methods. Scientists can sometimes predict earthquakes. forecast is often used when a person has weighed evidence and is telling what is most likely to happen. Experts are forecasting snow.

Examples of foretell in a Sentence

We cannot foretell the future. a 16th-century astrologer who, some claim, accurately foretold 20th-century events

Recent Examples on the Web

Crickets chirp in the silent night as the trailer starts off, building up suspense before ominous footsteps and key-clanking foretell a much-less wholehearted summer night. — Anna Tingley, chicagotribune.com, "‘American Horror Story: 1984’: Summer camp gets deadly in first trailer," 26 Aug. 2019 The summer that almost drove Antonio Conte to a clinic, and foretold the end of his Blues career. — SI.com, "Ranking Every Chelsea Summer Transfer Window Since 2002," 10 Aug. 2019 Shortages of food, water, gas, and medical supplies, compounded by an impassable traffic jam foretold of suffering if not violence. — Mark Clague, The Conversation, "Fifty years ago, Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock anthem expressed the hopes and fears of a nation," 14 Aug. 2019 Stephen Vladeck, a law professor at the University of Texas, suspects Justice Breyer voted against hearing al-Alwi v Trump because Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s recusal could have foretold a 4-4 tie, leaving the DC Circuit court’s ruling in place. — S.m. | New York, The Economist, "The Supreme Court refuses to hear a Guantánamo detainee's appeal," 12 June 2019 Jose Bautista said Ortiz foretold a long struggle that would eventually lead to stardom. — Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, "Opinion: From Big Papi to 'big brother,' David Ortiz's baseball impact a true love affair," 10 June 2019 With North America's smart home market expected to grow from $12 billion to $36 billion in yearly revenues between 2017 and 2022, according to market research firm Berg Insight, this experiment could foretell the future of home design. — Nell Lewis, CNN, "Inside the 'living laboratory,' a neighborhood of smart homes in Alabama," 7 Aug. 2019 Weather forecasts again foretold the possibility of thunderstorms for the evening, but the weather remained dry in the area until well into the start of the event. — Melanie Savage, courant.com, "Third Thursday A Go For July," 26 July 2019 Rachel Bitecofer, the assistant director of the Wason Center for Public Policy at Virginia’s Christopher Newport University, created a unique prediction model that almost perfectly foretold the results of the 2018 midterm election. — oregonlive.com, "Donald Trump will lose the 2020 election, concludes unique prediction model that nailed 2018 midterm results," 17 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'foretell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for foretell

foretell

verb

English Language Learners Definition of foretell

formal + literary : to describe (something) before it happens

See the full definition for foretell in the English Language Learners Dictionary

foretell

verb

fore·tell | \ fōr-ˈtel

foretold\ -ˈtōld \; foretelling

Kids Definition of foretell

: to tell of a thing before it happens

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foretell

Definition of foretell

Other Words from foretell

Synonyms for foretell

Choose the Right Synonym for foretell

Examples of foretell in a Sentence

First Known Use of foretell

English Language Learners Definition of foretell

Kids Definition of foretell

foretell

Definition of foretell

Other Words from foretell

Synonyms for foretell

Choose the Right Synonym for foretell

Examples of foretell in a Sentence

First Known Use of foretell

English Language Learners Definition of foretell

Kids Definition of foretell

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