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
For real-time forecasts based on your location, consider using a space weather app. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 15 May 2026 Temperatures are expected to remain above normal through the forecast period, with widespread minor heat risk in the Valley. —Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
Morgan Stanley forecasts the market will lose another billion barrels over the course of 2026 due to the time required to restart oilfields, repair refineries and reposition the tanker fleet. —Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 13 May 2026 It’s been forecasted that electricity demand in California will grow to 160 gigawatts by 2045. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
  1. prediction
  2. predict
  3. predicting
  4. forecasting
Noun
  • Fans take their own stabs pro bono, posting to Reddit their predictions for the draft’s first round, or their bespoke guesses for all two hundred and fifty-seven picks.
    — Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • Mosca and his coauthor based their prediction on the opinions of 26 experts.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
Definition of prediction
Verb
  • The pin positions were far more accessible than the previous two days, as McIlroy had predicted.
    — Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
  • That’s for our golf coverage team at Aronimink — Brendan Quinn, Gabby Herzig and Brody Miller — to predict.
    — Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 17 May 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
  • In addition to following and sharing insights from forecasting firms, the team mines social media, pop culture and television, runway collections, people watching and more to determine where style is headed.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
  • The forecasting model is not yet precise enough to predict exactly which beaches will be hit.
    — Amy Reyes, Miami Herald, 18 May 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 20 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on forecast

Nglish: Translation of forecast for Spanish Speakers

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