soothsayer
Americannoun
-
soothsayers
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of soothsayer
First recorded in 1300–50, soothsayer is from the Middle English word sothseyere, sothseyer. See sooth, say 1, -er 1
Explanation
A soothsayer is someone who can foretell the future. If the convincing soothsayer at the state fair tells you you'll soon meet someone tall, dark, and handsome, you'll probably keep your eye out for someone who fits that description. A fortune teller is also known as a soothsayer, or someone who claims to be able to predict the future. Long ago, a soothsayer might have been considered a useful consultant, even for a government, but today soothsayers are more likely to be scoffed at. Still, there are many soothsayers who have successful businesses telling people's fortunes and giving advice. Soothsayer comes from the Old English word for "truth," combined with "say," together meaning "an act of speaking the truth."
Vocabulary lists containing soothsayer
Julius Caesar
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The Westing Game
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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.
See Examples For:
Aschenbrenner built his firm on his reputation as an AI soothsayer.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026
A few days ago he posted a video with a woman who fashioned herself as a soothsayer.
From Slate ● Feb. 23, 2026
But, the "You Must Remember This" host, who has guided listeners through Hollywood's first century for over eight years, is more than just a soothsayer of cinema's history.
From Salon ● Jul. 15, 2023
At the Policing Board meeting, Simon Byrne stressed that he was not "a soothsayer" and the security picture he outlined is rooted firmly in the present.
From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2022
Lady Constance chatted as the soothsayer ate and pressed her for details about the séance.
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
With three chances so far in 2026 to project monthly job creation, Wall Street’s soothsayers have struck out.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 8, 2026
Her husband, who would later write witches and sorcerers and soothsayers into “Macbeth,” “The Tempest” and “Julius Caesar,” is taxed by her psychic gifts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 25, 2025
Political soothsayers might be tempted to study the results of Britain’s July 4 general election for clues about how the United States might vote on Nov. 5.
From New York Times ● May 25, 2024
Upon its discovery, soothsayers would’ve been summoned to interpret the meaning and declare whether the sign was sinister or propitious.
From Slate ● Feb. 11, 2024
She laughed at the puppets, wondered at the soothsayers, applauded the singers, and cheered for the racing horses.
From "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
