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
On July 3rd, Lee Pool, the chief of the Hunt Volunteer Fire Department, was heading home to Texas from a vacation in Colorado with his family when his wife, Stephanie, showed him the weather forecast. —Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 11 July 2025 National Weather Service Indianapolis local forecast Friday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 92. —Matthew Cupelli, IndyStar, 11 July 2025
Verb
Piper Sandler forecasts that appellate courts will issue rulings over the next several months. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 25 July 2025 The Italian energy group confirmed a 5% increase in its full-year dividend, while revealing a lower-than-previously forecast capex for the year. —Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
  1. prediction
  2. predict
  3. prophecy
Noun
  • However, Americans cannot legally participate in this prediction casino at the moment.
    — Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2025
  • Look for ways to augment churn prediction and issue prevention.
    — Mohan Mannava, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of prediction
Verb
  • Rain showers and periodic storms are possible every day through Tuesday before humidity and heat were expected to build again in the Chicago area, the weather service predicted.
    — William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
  • 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
Definition of predict
Noun
  • First, the prophecies have a very short time horizon—somewhere between two seconds and one minute.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2025
  • Social media is abuzz with Tatsuki's prophecy of a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami wrecking her home country of Japan -- a place prone to natural disasters but also a top destination for many in Asia -- sometime between July 5 and 7.
    — Britt Clennett, ABC News, 1 July 2025
Definition of prophecy

Browse Nearby Words

forebodings
forecast
forecaster
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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