crystal ball

NOUN

fortune teller's globe or ability

Synonyms

WEAK

clairvoyance divination envisagement forward look prediction prevenience

VERB

predict

Synonyms

STRONG

augur divine forecast foreknow foresee foretell portend predict prognosticate prophesy vaticinate

WEAK

anticipate conjecture

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.

History isn’t a crystal ball, but certain historical moments become magnifying glasses, highlighting truths today’s political passions obscure.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

"Without a crystal ball nobody can know what is going to happen" to producers' and farmers' costs at the moment these contracts are signed.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

“If I had a crystal ball I could tell you now what is going to happen,” Heimo Schirgi, the World Cup chief operating officer for FIFA, said Monday.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

“Nobody really has a crystal ball about how this all pans out,” said Dana D’Auria, co-CIO at Envestnet Solutions, an advisory service for retail investors.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 24, 2026

"Again, ask yourself. You are the great leader. Look into your crystal ball."

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison