forecast 1 of 2

noun

ˈfȯr-ˌkast How to pronounce forecast (audio)
Definition of forecastnext
as in prediction
a declaration that something will happen in the future want to catch the weather forecast so I'll know what kind of clothes to pack for the trip tomorrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

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forecast

2 of 2

verb

ˈfȯr-ˌkast How to pronounce forecast (audio)
as in to predict
to tell of or describe beforehand the station's meteorologist forecasts sun for the next five days

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word forecast different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of forecast are foretell, predict, prognosticate, and prophesy. While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties.

forecast snow

When can foretell be used instead of forecast?

The words foretell and forecast can be used in similar contexts, but foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

When could predict be used to replace forecast?

The synonyms predict and forecast are sometimes interchangeable, but predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

How is prognosticate related to other words for forecast?

Prognosticate is used less often than the other words; it may suggest learned or skilled interpretation, but more often it is simply a colorful substitute for predict or prophesy.

prognosticating the future

Where would prophesy be a reasonable alternative to forecast?

While the synonyms prophesy and forecast are close in meaning, prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of forecast
Noun
There is an increase in rainfall forecast for Sunday into Monday, but that’s not likely to provide much drought relief. —Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026 What’s the weather forecast for Boise? —Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
Dangerous conditions are forecast along the shoreline. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026 Sunny conditions are forecast most days, but a 20% chance of showers is expected on Tuesday. —Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
  1. prediction
  2. predict
  3. predicting
  4. forecasting
Noun
  • Musk’s trimming of his previous space travel predictions came after SpaceX acquired XAI last week, in a move that will merge two of his most ambitious companies into the most valuable private firm in the world.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Here are our picks and predictions for the men’s hockey tournament, with expert analysis and critique from senior writers Sean Gentille, Mark Lazerus and James Mirtle, analytics know-it-all Shayna Goldman and goaltending expert Jesse Granger.
    — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of prediction
Verb
  • Longitudinal studies across diverse populations will be needed to assess whether shifts in the oral microbiome can predict future weight gain, insulin resistance, or cardiometabolic decline, and perhaps most excitingly, whether modifying one's oral ecosystem alters systemic metabolic markers.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Huntington predicted that a new conflict would rage after the demise of Communism.
    — Josef Joffe, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of predict
Noun
  • With the 2025 college football season on the horizon, months of previewing and predicting soon will be in the rearview mirror.
    — Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2025
Definition of predicting
Noun
  • Fueled by APIs, data visualization tools, and behavioral design, modern dashboards give individuals and businesses actionable insights across banking, investing, budgeting, and forecasting.
    — William Jones, Ascend Agency, 7 Feb. 2026
  • No one’s forecasting a day at the beach for Darnold, but everyone in town expects a comfortable Seahawks win.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of forecasting

Browse Nearby Words

forebodings
forecast
forecaster
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Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of forecast for Spanish Speakers

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