Top 45 Slang For Predict – Meaning & Usage

Predicting the future has never been more trendy, and with that comes a whole new set of slang for predict that you need to know. From predicting the next big trend to foreseeing your crush’s text, we’ve got you covered with the latest and coolest terms to up your prediction game. Stay ahead of the curve and impress your friends with this essential list of trendy predict slang.

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Call it

This phrase means to make a prediction or foresee an outcome.

For example, “I’m going to call it – the home team is going to win.”
In a game of poker, a player might confidently say, “I call it, I have a winning hand.”
A friend might ask, “What do you call it? Will it rain tomorrow?”

2. Crystal ball it

This slang phrase refers to predicting the future, as if using a crystal ball.

For instance, “I can’t predict the lottery numbers, I can’t crystal ball it.”
In a conversation about career choices, someone might say, “I wish I could crystal ball it and know which path to take.”
A person might ask a friend, “Can you crystal ball it and tell me if I’ll get that promotion?”

3. See it coming

This phrase means to anticipate or predict something before it happens.

For example, “I saw it coming – they were going to break up eventually.”
In a discussion about a surprise ending in a movie, someone might say, “I didn’t see it coming at all!”
A friend might warn, “Be careful, I can see it coming – you’re going to get in trouble if you keep doing that.”

4. Read the tea leaves

This slang phrase refers to the act of interpreting signs or omens to predict the future.

For instance, “I tried to read the tea leaves, but I couldn’t make sense of them.”
In a conversation about a difficult decision, someone might say, “I wish I could read the tea leaves and know which choice is the right one.”
A person might jokingly ask, “Can you read the tea leaves and tell me if I’ll win the lottery?”

5. Foresee it

This phrase means to predict or anticipate something before it happens.

For example, “I can foresee it – there’s going to be a lot of traffic on the highway.”
In a discussion about a future trend, someone might say, “I foresee a rise in renewable energy.”
A friend might ask, “Do you foresee any challenges in the project?”

6. Guess right

To correctly predict or guess an outcome or result.

For example, “I guessed right and won the lottery!”
In a sports context, someone might say, “I guessed right and predicted the winning team.”
A friend might ask, “Can you guess right which movie will win Best Picture at the Oscars?”

7. Nail it

To successfully predict or accomplish something.

For instance, “She nailed it by predicting the exact score of the game.”
A person might say, “I nailed it and guessed the correct answer on the quiz.”
In a talent show, a judge might comment, “You nailed it with that performance.”

8. Hit the mark

To accurately predict or achieve a desired result.

For example, “His prediction hit the mark and the stock price increased.”
A person might say, “I hit the mark and guessed the correct weight of the pumpkin.”
In a business meeting, someone might say, “We need to hit the mark with our sales projections.”

9. Hit the nail on the head

To accurately predict or identify the main point or issue.

For instance, “She hit the nail on the head by predicting the outcome of the trial.”
A person might say, “You hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the situation.”
In a group discussion, someone might comment, “He really hit the nail on the head with his suggestion.”

10. Call the play

To predict or anticipate the next move or action.

For example, “He called the play and knew exactly how the game would unfold.”
A sports commentator might say, “The coach called the play and the team executed it perfectly.”
In a game of chess, a player might say, “I called the play and made a winning move.”

11. Have a foreboding

This phrase is used to describe the sensation of having a strong intuition or premonition about something negative that is about to happen.

For example, “I have a foreboding that something bad is going to happen today.”
In a suspenseful movie, a character might say, “I can’t shake this foreboding feeling that we’re being watched.”
Someone might share their foreboding with a friend by saying, “I have a foreboding that our team is going to lose this game.”

12. Have a preconception

This phrase describes having a preexisting notion or belief about something or someone before actually experiencing or learning more about it.

For instance, “I had a preconception that the movie would be boring, but it turned out to be really entertaining.”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might say, “Let go of your preconceptions and approach the issue with an open mind.”
A person might admit, “I had a preconception about this restaurant, but the food exceeded my expectations.”

13. Have a preconceived notion

Similar to “have a preconception,” this phrase refers to having a preexisting idea or belief about something or someone before gaining more information or experience.

For example, “I had a preconceived notion that the new employee would be unfriendly, but she turned out to be really nice.”
In a discussion about stereotypes, someone might say, “We need to challenge our preconceived notions and treat each person as an individual.”
A person might reflect, “I had a preconceived notion about this book, but it completely changed my perspective.”

14. Have a foreknowledge

This phrase describes having knowledge or awareness of something before it actually occurs.

For instance, “He seemed to have a foreknowledge of the test questions because he answered them all correctly.”
In a conversation about a future event, someone might say, “I have a foreknowledge that it’s going to rain tomorrow, so I’ll bring an umbrella.”
A person might claim, “I have a foreknowledge of the outcome of this game because I saw it in a dream.”

15. Have a forewarning

This phrase refers to receiving a warning or indication about something before it happens.

For example, “The weather forecast gave a forewarning of a severe thunderstorm, so we stayed indoors.”
In a discussion about a potential danger, someone might say, “We should pay attention to the forewarnings and take necessary precautions.”
A person might share their forewarning with a friend by saying, “I have a forewarning that our flight might be delayed, so we should arrive early at the airport.”

16. Forecast

To forecast means to predict or estimate a future event or trend based on present information or data. It is commonly used in weather forecasting and business analysis.

For example, a meteorologist might say, “The forecast for tomorrow is sunny with a high of 85 degrees.”
In a business context, a financial analyst might forecast the company’s sales for the next quarter.
A person discussing travel plans might ask, “What’s the forecast for next week? Should I pack an umbrella?”

17. Envision

Envision means to imagine or foresee something in the future. It is often used to describe a mental image or a visualization of a desired outcome.

For instance, a motivational speaker might say, “Envision your dream life and work towards making it a reality.”
In a creative context, an artist might envision a masterpiece before putting brush to canvas.
A person discussing their career goals might say, “I envision myself in a leadership role within the next five years.”

18. Project

To project means to estimate or predict a future outcome based on current information or trends. It is commonly used in financial analysis, business planning, and goal-setting.

For example, a financial advisor might project the growth of an investment portfolio over a certain period of time.
In a business context, a project manager might project the timeline and resources needed for a specific project.
A person discussing their fitness goals might project their weight loss progress over the next few months.

19. Presage

Presage means to portend or foreshadow a future event or outcome. It is often used to describe a sign or omen that predicts something to come.

For instance, dark clouds and thunder can presage an impending storm.
In literature, an author might use symbolism to presage a character’s fate.
A person discussing a series of unfortunate events might say, “These incidents presage a difficult year ahead.”

20. Divine

To divine means to foresee or intuit something, often through supernatural or mystical means. It is used to describe a prediction or insight that is believed to come from a higher power or special ability.

For example, a fortune teller might divine someone’s future by reading their palm.
In mythology, the Oracle of Delphi was believed to divine prophecies from the gods.
A person discussing their intuition might say, “I have a gut feeling that something good is about to happen. I can divine it.”

21. Augur

To augur means to indicate or suggest something in the future. It is often used to describe a sign or omen that predicts a future event.

For example, “The dark clouds augur a coming storm.”
A person might say, “His success in school augurs a bright future for him.”
In a discussion about a company’s financial performance, someone might mention, “The decrease in sales augurs poorly for the company’s profits.”

22. Prophecy

A prophecy refers to a prediction or a statement that foretells the future, often believed to come from a divine source or a person with special abilities.

For instance, “The prophecy foretold of a great war that would bring destruction.”
In a fantasy novel, a character might say, “The ancient prophecy spoke of a chosen hero who would save the world.”
A person discussing Nostradamus might mention, “His prophecies have been the subject of much speculation and interpretation.”

23. Premonition

A premonition is a strong feeling or sense of something about to happen in the future, typically with no logical explanation or evidence.

For example, “I had a premonition that something bad was going to happen.”
A person might say, “Her premonition of danger saved her from a car accident.”
In a discussion about supernatural experiences, someone might share, “I often have premonitions in my dreams.”

24. Foreshadow

To foreshadow is to give a suggestion or a hint about what is to come in the future. It often involves subtle clues or indications that hint at an upcoming event.

For instance, “The dark and stormy weather foreshadowed the tragic events to come.”
In a mystery novel, a writer might use foreshadowing to create suspense, such as “The strange symbol on the wall foreshadowed the hidden treasure.”
A person discussing a movie might say, “The opening scene beautifully foreshadows the themes and conflicts of the entire film.”

25. Prophesy

To prophesy means to predict or foretell the future, often through divine inspiration or spiritual guidance.

For example, “The ancient prophet prophesied the fall of a great empire.”
A person might say, “Some believe that Nostradamus prophesied the events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.”
In a discussion about religious texts, someone might mention, “The book of Revelation in the Bible contains many prophecies about the end times.”

26. Foretell

To predict or forecast future events or outcomes. “Foretell” is often used in a mystical or supernatural context.

For example, a fortune teller might say, “I can foretell your future based on the lines in your palm.”
In a discussion about astrology, someone might mention, “The alignment of the stars can foretell major life changes.”
A person might jokingly say, “I can foretell that I’ll be eating pizza for dinner tonight.”

27. Bet

To make a prediction or guess about a future outcome and place a bet or wager on it. “Bet” can also be used metaphorically to mean making a confident prediction.

For instance, someone might say, “I bet that the home team will win the game.”
In a conversation about politics, a person might state, “I wouldn’t bet on that candidate winning the election.”
A friend might challenge another by saying, “I bet you can’t predict the outcome of this coin toss.”

28. Call

To make a prediction or decision about a future event or outcome. “Call” is often used in a sports or game context.

For example, a basketball commentator might say, “I’m going to call it now: the home team will make a comeback in the second half.”
In a card game, a player might confidently state, “I call that I have the winning hand.”
A person might say, “I call that it’s going to rain tomorrow.”

29. Guess

To make an educated prediction or estimate about a future event or outcome. “Guess” implies uncertainty or speculation.

For instance, someone might say, “I guess that it will take about an hour to finish the project.”
In a conversation about the weather, a person might say, “I guess it’s going to be sunny tomorrow.”
A friend might ask, “Can you guess what I’m thinking right now?”

30. Prove

To demonstrate or show that a prediction or forecast was accurate or correct. “Prove” implies validating or confirming a prediction.

For example, a scientist might say, “The experiment’s results prove my hypothesis.”
In a discussion about fortune telling, someone might ask, “Can you prove that your predictions are accurate?”
A person might confidently state, “I can prove that my prediction will come true.”

31. Calculate

This slang term refers to using mathematical equations or formulas to estimate or predict an outcome. It implies a logical and systematic approach to making predictions.

For example, “Let me calculate how much money I’ll need for the trip.”
In a discussion about sports, someone might say, “Based on the team’s performance, I calculated that they have a 70% chance of winning.”
A student might ask, “Can you help me calculate my final grade?”

32. Determine

To determine something means to find out or discover it through careful analysis or investigation. It suggests a process of reaching a conclusion or prediction based on available information.

For instance, “Let’s determine the best course of action.”
In a debate, someone might argue, “The evidence clearly determines that the defendant is guilty.”
A person trying to solve a puzzle might say, “I need to determine the correct sequence of moves.”

33. Expect

To expect something is to believe or predict that it will happen or be the case. It implies a level of confidence or certainty in the prediction.

For example, “I expect him to arrive on time.”
In a discussion about upcoming events, someone might say, “I expect the concert to be amazing.”
A parent might tell their child, “I expect you to do your homework before playing.”

34. Forebode

To forebode means to predict or indicate something, especially something negative or ominous, in advance. It suggests a sense of forewarning or premonition.

For instance, “The dark clouds forebode a storm.”
In a horror movie, a character might say, “The eerie silence forebodes danger.”
A fortune teller might warn, “The cards forebode a period of challenges and setbacks.”

35. Foreknow

To foreknow is to know or predict something before it happens. It implies a level of foresight or precognition.

For example, “I foreknew that he would win the competition.”
In a discussion about trends, someone might say, “Experts foreknow that technology will continue to advance.”
A psychic might claim, “I have the ability to foreknow future events.”

36. Forewarn

To warn someone about something before it happens. It implies that the person is being given a heads-up or a cautionary notice.

For example, “I just wanted to forewarn you that there might be some traffic on your way to work tomorrow.”
In a conversation about a potential storm, someone might say, “Let me forewarn you that there’s a chance of heavy rain this weekend.”
A parent might say to their child, “I want to forewarn you that we’ll be having guests over tonight, so please clean up your room.”

37. Intuit

To understand or know something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning or evidence. It implies a strong feeling or gut instinct about a situation.

For instance, “I can’t explain it, but I just intuit that something good is going to happen.”
In a discussion about making decisions, someone might say, “Sometimes you just have to trust your intuition and go with your gut.”
A person might say, “I have a strong intuition that this team is going to win the championship.”

38. Vaticinate

To predict or foretell the future, often in a mystical or prophetic sense. The term implies a sense of divination or supernatural insight.

For example, “The ancient seer vaticinated that a great disaster would befall the kingdom.”
In a conversation about astrology, someone might say, “The alignment of the stars vaticinates a major change in your life.”
A person discussing fortune-telling might say, “The tarot cards vaticinated that I would find love in the near future.”

39. Visualize

To imagine or see something in one’s mind’s eye. It implies the ability to create a mental image or representation of something.

For instance, “Close your eyes and visualize yourself relaxing on a beautiful beach.”
In a discussion about goal-setting, someone might say, “Visualize yourself achieving your dreams, and it will become easier to work towards them.”
A person practicing mindfulness might say, “As you meditate, visualize a peaceful, serene landscape to help calm your mind.”

40. Prophesize

To make a prediction about the future, often in a religious or spiritual context. The term implies the act of speaking or proclaiming a prophecy.

For example, “The ancient prophet prophesized that a great leader would rise to power.”
In a conversation about religious texts, someone might say, “The book of Revelation prophesizes the end of the world.”
A person discussing psychic abilities might say, “Some individuals claim to have the power to prophesize future events.”

41. Soothsay

Soothsaying refers to the act of making predictions or foretelling the future. It is often associated with mystical or supernatural abilities.

For example, a fortune teller might say, “I can soothsay your future and tell you what lies ahead.”
In a discussion about astrology, someone might mention, “Soothsaying is an ancient practice that involves interpreting celestial patterns.”
A person might use the term figuratively and say, “I can soothsay that this project will be a success.”

42. Tell fortunes

Telling fortunes involves predicting or divining someone’s future. It is often associated with practices like palm reading, tarot card reading, or crystal ball gazing.

For instance, a fortune teller might say, “I can tell your fortune and give you insights into your future.”
In a discussion about superstitions, someone might mention, “Many people believe in the power of telling fortunes.”
A person might use the term casually and say, “I can tell your fortune, but take it with a grain of salt.”

43. Call the outcome

Calling the outcome refers to making a prediction or forecast about the result of a particular event or situation.

For example, a sports commentator might say, “I’m going to call the outcome of this match and predict a win for the home team.”
In a discussion about elections, someone might say, “It’s too early to call the outcome of the race.”
A person might use the term casually and say, “I can call the outcome of this negotiation. It’s not going to end well.”

44. Predict the future

Predicting the future involves making educated guesses or forecasts about what will happen in the future.

For instance, a weather forecaster might say, “I can predict the future and tell you if it will rain tomorrow.”
In a discussion about technology, someone might mention, “Scientists are constantly working on ways to predict the future based on current trends.”
A person might use the term casually and say, “I can predict the future, and I see a promotion in your future.”

45. See the writing on the wall

Seeing the writing on the wall means recognizing signs or indications that suggest a particular outcome or result is inevitable.

For example, a business analyst might say, “Based on the latest market trends, I can see the writing on the wall. We need to change our strategy.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might mention, “When communication breaks down, it’s time to see the writing on the wall.”
A person might use the term figuratively and say, “I can see the writing on the wall. It’s time to start looking for a new job.”