Synonyms

soothsayer

American

[sooth-sey-er] / ˈsuθˌseɪ ər /

noun

a person who professes to foretell events.

soothsayer British

/ ˈsuːθˌseɪə /

noun

a seer or prophet

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of soothsayer

First recorded in 1300–50, soothsayer is from the Middle English word sothseyere, sothseyer. See sooth, say ¹, -er ¹

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.

A few days ago he posted a video with a woman who fashioned herself as a soothsayer.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

It led to “SNL Weekend Update” skits of their father, LaVar, who was a soothsayer telling everyone that his boys would be stars while granting any and all interviews to media and fans alike.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

Match of the Day commentator Steve Wilson: Tipping Real Madrid to win the Champions League is hardly the work of a soothsayer, but you are not likely to be far wrong.

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2025

But, the "You Must Remember This" host, who has guided listeners through Hollywood's first century for over eight years, is more than just a soothsayer of cinema's history.

From Salon • Jul. 15, 2023

“I’ve outdone myself this time,” the soothsayer crowed.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023