prediction

noun

pre·​dic·​tion pri-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce prediction (audio)
Synonyms of prediction
1
: an act of predicting
2
: something that is predicted : forecast

Synonyms of prediction

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Examples of prediction in a Sentence

Journalists have begun making predictions about the winner of the coming election. Despite predictions that the store would fail, it has done very well. The figures and statistics are used for the prediction of future economic trends.
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.
Friday, the high tide in San Diego and La Jolla was coming in 17 inches higher than the official prediction, which doesn’t account for hotter-than-normal ocean waters or swells from tropical storms, according to NOAA’s tide forecasts. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 The former heavyweight champion visited the White House on Friday and offered a brief prediction when reporters asked how Republicans would fare in the midterms. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 On Thursday, the hurricane center cranked up the predictions for rainfall for the panhandle. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 The experiment will help researchers compare computer predictions with actual re-entry performance. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prediction

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prediction was in 1561

Rhymes for prediction

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Browse Nearby Words

predicted firing
prediction
predictive
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Cite this Entry

“Prediction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prediction. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prediction

noun
pre·​dic·​tion pri-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce prediction (audio)
1
: an act of predicting
2
: something predicted : forecast
a prediction that there would be an earthquake
predictive
-ˈdik-tiv
adjective
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