foreknow

verb

(ˌ)fȯr-ˈnō How to pronounce foreknow (audio)
Definition of foreknownext
as in to anticipate
to realize or know about beforehand what couple can possibly foreknow the trials and tribulations that marriage will bring?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foreknow
  1. anticipate
  2. foresee
  3. predict
Verb
  • That said, depending on how things unfold in training camp, the next phase of the franchise could begin sooner than initially anticipated.
    — Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
  • In court filings, Pryor anticipated, and attempted to quell, the timing problem by arguing he was required to cede control of his NIL in perpetuity.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of anticipate
Verb
  • Wind gusts of up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) are foreseen.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2025
  • The bank foresees the lingerie retailer falling an additional 14%.
    — Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Definition of foresee
Verb
  • The National Weather Service in Indianapolis predicted strong and potentially severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon into the evening, and the rain has just arrived.
    — Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 19 July 2025
  • Western Tech doesn’t train truck drivers, but the college predicts a handful of its programs will be eligible for the new grants.
    — Natalie Yahr, jsonline.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of predict
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.

Browse Nearby Words

foreknew
foreknow
foreknowing
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Cite this Entry

“Foreknow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foreknow. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of foreknow for Spanish Speakers

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