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
  • This album, which is highly anticipated by his fans, could be a turning point in his career, as his popularity and power as a rap Goliath are beginning to wane.
    Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 27 Nov. 2024
  • Economists already had anticipated at least a 10% tariff on Chinese imports next year and built that into their forecasts.
    Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 27 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
  • The National Retail Federation predicts retail sales this winter will be up to 3.5% higher than last year.
    Alina Selyukh, NPR, 27 Nov. 2024
  • In Denver, a key commercial airline hub, forecasters predict a couple of inches of snow.
    Alysa Guffey, The Indianapolis Star, 27 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 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on foreknow

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