foretell

[fawr-tel, fohr-] / fɔrˈtɛl, foʊr- /

VERB

predict, warn

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipate augur foreshadow portend prefigure presage prophesy signify

STRONG

adumbrate announce apprehend auspicate betoken bode call declare disclose divine divulge figure forebode forecast foreknow forewarn proclaim prognosticate read reveal tell

WEAK

call it call the shot crystal-ball crystal-ball it dope out figure out make book psych see something coming soothsay

Antonyms

STRONG

conceal estimate guess hide listen suppress withhold

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Its flashing lights and internet connectivity foretell a future in which kids won’t rummage around in the toy box at all, opting instead for more and more screen time.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

In her shifting reflection we see that changes in fashion foretell changes in politics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Perhaps it’s bear markets that foretell better times.

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

Her name was Annie—“just Annie,” no surname—and she was “just an orphan,” a nobody, really, but she never let her impoverished origins foretell her fate.

From Slate • Aug. 17, 2024

And all this shall be just as I foretell.’

From "The Odyssey" by Homer

Vocabulary lists containing foretell

Friday the 13th

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Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

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"Briar Rose" by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

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