PROGNOSTICATE Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'prognosticate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of prognosticate are forecast , foretell , predict , and prophesy . While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," 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

Q: How are the words 'forecast' and 'predict' related as synonyms of 'prognosticate'?

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

Q: When can 'foretell' be used instead of 'prognosticate'?

In some situations, the words foretell and prognosticate are roughly equivalent. However, foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information. // seers foretold the calamity

Q: When is it sensible to use 'predict' instead of 'prognosticate'?

The meanings of predict and prognosticate largely overlap; however, predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature. // astronomers predicted an eclipse

Q: Where would 'prophesy' be a reasonable alternative to 'prognosticate'?

While the synonyms prophesy and prognosticate are close in meaning, prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises. // prophesying a new messiah

prognosticate

verb

präg-ˈnä-stə-ˌkāt

Definition of prognosticate next

as in to predict

to tell of or describe beforehand using current trends to prognosticate what the workplace of the future will be like

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word prognosticate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of prognosticate are forecast, foretell, predict, and prophesy. While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," 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

How are the words forecast and predict related as synonyms of prognosticate?

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

forecast snow

When can foretell be used instead of prognosticate?

In some situations, the words foretell and prognosticate are roughly equivalent. However, foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

When is it sensible to use predict instead of prognosticate?

The meanings of predict and prognosticate largely overlap; however, predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

Where would prophesy be a reasonable alternative to prognosticate?

While the synonyms prophesy and prognosticate are close in meaning, prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of prognosticate Overjoyed economists began prognosticating as many as six rate cuts in 2024, which resulted in the Dow Jones shooting up to record levels and the bulls claiming a recession had been definitively avoided. —

Paolo Confino, Fortune, 7 May 2024 The reason groundhogs actually emerge in February Not to worry though: Woodchucks called upon for winter prognosticating duties on Groundhog Day aren't necessarily being unnaturally stirred. —

USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2024 The Madden series has a 65% accuracy rate, having accurately predicted the winner of the Super Bowl for 13 of the past 20 years (including prognosticating the exact score in 2015). —

Chris Morris, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2024 After all, there’s been plenty of prognosticating about the movies that are generating the most heat with Oscar voters and other awards bodies. —

Clayton Davis, Variety, 29 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for prognosticate