predictive

adjective

pre·​dic·​tive pri-ˈdik-tiv How to pronounce predictive (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or usable or valuable for prediction
predictive medical factors
2
: based on or generated by using methods of prediction
predictive models
predictive text
Usually predictive policing refers to feeding reams of city data into a computer and dispatching extra officers to areas that are deemed to be at high risk of future crime.Leon Neyfakh
predictively adverb
Like an astrological chart, it can be made to fit any case, and it works better retrospectively than predictively. Carol Tavris

Examples of predictive in a Sentence

unfortunately, the stock market crash of 1929 turned out to be a predictive event, for the next decade was consumed by the Great Depression
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
With predictive analytics and real-time fraud detection, AI can strengthen security and provide users with peace of mind, which is often lacking in areas where financial fraud is common. Abhishek Gandotra, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 By building predictive maps using machine learning and collaborating with a global network of scientists, SPUN is looking for hotspots of mycorrhizal activity and identifying gaps in current conservation efforts. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 16 Apr. 2025 Commercial vehicle route mapping, in-car entertainment and predictive safety features can be enabled and enhanced by artificial intelligence. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 Where modern analysts often search for predictive patterns and system-level explanations, Thucydides drew attention to the role of choice, perception and emotion. Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predictive

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predictive was in 1637

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Cite this Entry

“Predictive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predictive. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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