Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of foreknow are anticipate, divine, and foresee. While all these words mean "to know beforehand," foreknow usually implies supernatural assistance, as through revelation.

if only we could foreknow our own destinies

When might anticipate be a better fit than foreknow?

In some situations, the words anticipate and foreknow are roughly equivalent. However, anticipate implies taking action about or responding emotionally to something before it happens.

the waiter anticipated our every need

How are the words divine and foresee related as synonyms of foreknow?

Divine adds to foresee the suggestion of exceptional wisdom or discernment.

was able to divine Europe's rapid recovery from the war

In what contexts can foresee take the place of foreknow?

Although the words foresee and foreknow have much in common, foresee implies nothing about how the knowledge is derived and may apply to ordinary reasoning and experience.

economists should have foreseen the recession

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foreknow
Verb
  • While web3 integration does not seem absolutely required to participate in the gaming experience, analysts anticipate most players engaging with these features for the full gaming experience.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
  • But Mexico anticipates a tough immigration regime whoever wins.
    New York Times, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Like most Fortitude Ranchers, Larry could foresee society breaking down in a number of ways: a nuclear detonation, another pandemic, or rising political violence that could split the country into warring factions.
    Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Reynolds foresees the base color palette trending towards ivory and wood tones then laying in color.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Not even the most pessimistic prognosticators could have predicted this.
    Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Studies show betting markets have sometimes accurately predicted winners, especially when large volumes of data are available.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near foreknow

Cite this Entry

“Foreknow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foreknow. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on foreknow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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