Synonyms

foretell

American

[fawr-tel, fohr-] / fɔrˈtɛl, foʊr- /

verb (used with object)

foretold, foretelling

to tell of beforehand; predict; prophesy.

Synonyms:

forebode, presage, augur, forecast

foretell British

/ fɔːˈtɛl /

verb

(tr; may take a clause as object) to tell or indicate (an event, a result, etc) beforehand; predict

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

foreteller noun
unforetold adjective

Etymology

Origin of foretell

First recorded in 1250–1300, foretell is from the Middle English word fortell. See fore-, tell ¹

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.

Its flashing lights and internet connectivity foretell a future in which kids won’t rummage around in the toy box at all, opting instead for more and more screen time.

From Salon

"No, Rowan. I am finished. You must leave me here and at dawn go on alone. As Sheba foretold."

From Literature

In her shifting reflection we see that changes in fashion foretell changes in politics.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some claim that the stock market’s full-year direction is foretold by its performance on the first trading day of January; others focus on the first two days, and still others on the first week.

From MarketWatch

Perhaps it’s bear markets that foretell better times.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023