predictive
adjective
pre·dic·tive
pri-ˈdik-tiv 
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
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
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
For example, predictive models powered by AI anticipate ICU occupancy rates, ensuring vital equipment and staff are ready when needed.
—Alex Long, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
This marked the first-ever real-time use of predictive modeling on an interstellar comet, turning a theoretical framework into a live galactic experiment.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 20 July 2025
The company also claims the system outperforms humans on certain data science tasks like data analysis and modeling (such as creating forecasts or predictive models).
—ArsTechnica, 17 July 2025
Waist circumference is less predictive than BF% but still associated with a higher risk of death.
—Julia Ries, Health, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for predictive
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Alex Long, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
This marked the first-ever real-time use of predictive modeling on an interstellar comet, turning a theoretical framework into a live galactic experiment.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 20 July 2025
The company also claims the system outperforms humans on certain data science tasks like data analysis and modeling (such as creating forecasts or predictive models).
—ArsTechnica, 17 July 2025
Waist circumference is less predictive than BF% but still associated with a higher risk of death.
—Julia Ries, Health, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for predictive
Cite this Entry
“Predictive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predictive. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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