foretell

verb

fore·​tell fȯr-ˈtel 

foretold fȯr-ˈtōld  ; foretelling

transitive verb

: to tell beforehand : predict

foreteller noun

Synonyms

• augur
• call
• forecast
• predict
• presage
• prognosticate
• prophesy
• read
• vaticinate

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

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

The text and call were two signs that foretold the chaos and violence to come, as officials say the teenager used an assault-style rifle to kill four people – two teachers and two students – before surrendering to police. —Eric Levenson, CNN, 9 Sep. 2024

That’s after the God of Gods wakes up one morning to discover a wrinkle on his forehead and a possible harbinger of an ancient prophecy that foretells Zeus’ destruction. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Aug. 2024

The inversion had been wrong only once, in the mid-1960s, and has foretold every retrenchment since. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 24 July 2024

Believing it to be the harbinger of an ancient prophecy which foretells his destruction, neurosis sets in: Zeus becomes convinced his fall is coming. —Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 28 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

foretell

verb

fore·​tell fōr-ˈtel 

fȯr-

foretold -ˈtōld  ; foretelling

: to tell of or describe beforehand

foreteller noun