foreknow

verb

(ˌ)fȯr-ˈnō How to pronounce foreknow (audio)
Definition of foreknownext
as in to anticipate
to realize or know about beforehand what couple can possibly foreknow the trials and tribulations that marriage will bring?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foreknow
  1. anticipate
  2. foresee
  3. predict
Verb
  • By Saturday evening as much as 10 to 12 inches of rain is anticipated across parts of the region.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Many major insurers cover its services, and nationwide coverage is anticipated by the end of the year.
    — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of anticipate
Verb
  • The White House foresees the automotive tariffs to generate $100 billion annually.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The storms are foreseen to bring wind gusts of up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail (1 inch).
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of foresee
Verb
  • Artificial intelligence is transforming climate change prediction and rapidly becoming one of the most powerful tools available to predict, manage and mitigate the effects of climate change.
    — Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The ratio also could be used to predict eventual memory loss in people who have a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's.
    — Jon Hamilton, NPR, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of predict
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.

Browse Nearby Words

foreknew
foreknow
foreknowing
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Cite this Entry

“Foreknow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foreknow. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of foreknow for Spanish Speakers

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