predictable

adjective

pre·​dict·​able pri-ˈdik-tə-bəl How to pronounce predictable (audio)
Synonyms of predictablenext
1
: capable of being predicted : able to be known, seen, or declared in advance
a predictable reaction/outcome
a very predictable plot
changes occurring at a steady and predictable rate
2
: behaving in a way that is expected
I knew he would say that. He's so predictable.
predictability
pri-ˌdik-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce predictable (audio)
noun
By comparing the projections, meteorologists can get a measure of the weather's predictability: The less agreement among the forecasts, the less predictable the weather. — Richard Monastersky

Examples of predictable 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.
For decades, traditional retirement planning followed a predictable formula: Work for 40 years, save in a pension or 401(k) and withdraw funds in retirement. — Gianluca Sidoti, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Avoiding redundancies with federal or state loan program requirements already in place and creating a reasonable, predictable regulatory environment would encourage more investment in affordable housing. — Miranda Darden-Willems, Baltimore Sun, 20 Mar. 2025 The snarky commentary on the social media age comes off as a bit old-hat, and too many of the odd couple tropes feel predictable. — Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2025 The Electric State, with its predictable final shot teeing up a sequel, argues for a society that values togetherness and imagination. — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predictable

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predictable was in 1820

Rhymes for predictable

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Cite this Entry

“Predictable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predictable. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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