futurology

noun

fu·​tur·​olo·​gy ˌfyü-chə-ˈrä-lə-jē How to pronounce futurology (audio)
: a study that deals with future possibilities based on current trends
futurological
ˌfyü-chə-rə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce futurology (audio)
adjective
futurologist
ˌfyü-chə-ˈrä-lə-jist How to pronounce futurology (audio)
noun

Examples of futurology in a Sentence

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.
But rather than amusing themselves with spurious futurology, Conservatives should make housing a central plank of their electoral offer in the here and now. — Sahil Mahtani, Foreign Affairs, 20 Nov. 2017 But Morris' new book illustrates perfectly why one really scholarly book about the past is worth a hundred fanciful works of futurology. — Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2010

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of futurology was in 1946

Rhymes for futurology

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Cite this Entry

“Futurology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/futurology. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on futurology

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about futurology

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