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predict

verb
pre·​dict | \ pri-ˈdikt How to pronounce predict (audio) \
predicted; predicting; predicts

Definition of predict

transitive verb

: to declare or indicate in advance especially : foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or scientific reason

intransitive verb

: to make a prediction
Other Words from predict Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about predict

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Other Words from predict

predictor \ pri-​ˈdik-​tÉ™r How to pronounce predictor (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for predict

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Trysta Krick predicts 6 teams that will be in and out of the playoffs as well as who's winning it all in Miami. — Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY, "Los Angeles Chargers' Russell Okung to miss at least first six weeks of season," 31 Aug. 2019 As the threat of mega-fires grows across the state, California's insurance commissioner predicts the situation will get worse. — Ed Leefeldt, CBS News, "After wildfires, hundreds of thousands of Californians can't get insurance," 30 Aug. 2019 The National Weather Service predicts partly cloudy skies Saturday night in the Marquette region. — Emma Keith, Detroit Free Press, "Look up! Northern lights could be visible throughout Michigan this weekend," 29 Aug. 2019 The American Society of Civil Engineers predicts that the United States will fall $2 trillion short of its infrastructure investment needs by 2025. — James Spiotto For Cnn Business Perspectives, CNN, "Puerto Rico's financial woes are hurting US infrastructure," 29 Aug. 2019 And Freddie Mac predicts the low rates are not going away anytime soon. — R.a. Schuetz, Houston Chronicle, "Freddie Mac revises home sales forecast downward despite low mortgage rates," 29 Aug. 2019 Kristen McGrath, editor and shopping expert at Offers.com, predicts that the best Labor Day mattress sales will be found at Macy’s, Sears Outlet, JCPenney and Overstock. — Nicole Spector, NBC News, "The best Labor Day sales — and what deals aren't worth the hype," 29 Aug. 2019 The hurricane center predicts Dorian will make landfall on Labor Day as a Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds. — Washington Post, "Atmospheric battle will determine where Dorian hits Florida," 29 Aug. 2019 Defensively Nathan predicts that the presence of Young should lead to a dominant outing for everyone else around him. — Stephen Means, cleveland.com, "Ohio State-Florida Atlantic Outrageous Predictions: J.K. Dobbins starts fast, Justin Fields’ stats and the defensive line," 29 Aug. 2019

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

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First Known Use of predict

1590, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

History and Etymology for predict

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

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More Definitions for predict

predict

verb
How to pronounce predict (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of predict

: to say that (something) will or might happen in the future

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

predict

verb
pre·​dict | \ pri-ˈdikt How to pronounce predict (audio) \
predicted; predicting

Kids Definition of predict

: to say that (something) will or might happen in the future predict the weather

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More from Merriam-Webster on predict

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with predict

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for predict

Spanish Central: Translation of predict

Nglish: Translation of predict for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of predict for Arabic Speakers

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