forecast

verb

fore·cast | \ ˈfȯr-ˌkast

; fȯr-ˈkast\

forecast also forecasted; forecasting

Definition of forecast

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : to calculate or predict (some future event or condition) usually as a result of study and analysis of available pertinent data The company is forecasting reduced profits. especially : to predict (weather conditions) on the basis of correlated meteorological (see meteorology sense 1) observations They're forecasting rain for this weekend.

b : to indicate as likely to occur Optimists are forecasting an immediate upswing in business.

2 : to serve as a forecast of : presage Such events may forecast peace.

intransitive verb

: to calculate the future if it turns out as I forecasted

forecast

noun

fore·cast | \ ˈfȯr-ˌkast

Definition of forecast (Entry 2 of 2)

1 archaic : foresight of consequences and provision against them : forethought

2 : a prophecy, estimate, or prediction of a future happening or condition

Other Words from forecast Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about forecast

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Choose the Right Synonym for forecast

Verb

foretell, predict, forecast, prophesy, prognosticate mean to tell beforehand. foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information. seers foretold the calamity predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature. astronomers predicted an eclipse forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties. forecast snow prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises. prophesying a new messiah 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

Examples of forecast in a Sentence

Verb

They're forecasting rain for this weekend. The company is forecasting reduced profits. Experts forecast that the economy will slow in the coming months.

Noun

want to catch the weather forecast so I'll know what kind of clothes to pack for the trip tomorrow

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The attack also calls into question whether the supply forecasts that have weighed on crude prices recently accurately account for the potential for geopolitical turmoil. — Ryan Dezember, WSJ, "Tanker Attacks Lift Oil Prices, Improve Shale Producers’ Outlook," 13 June 2019 Citing growth, equity issues, inappropriate text messages to a subordinate and anti-incumbency sentiment, many forecasted the end of his political career. — Doug Friednash, The Denver Post, "Friednash: Hancock’s victory in the face of uncertainty pales in comparison to the mayor’s other life challenges," 9 June 2019 The International Data Corporation recently forecast that companies and governments will spend $2.1 billion on blockchains in 2018, more than double what was spent last year. — New York Times, "Confused About Blockchains? Here’s What You Need to Know," 27 June 2018 That could prompt the Fed to raise rates faster — perhaps four hikes in both 2018 and 2019 instead of the three now forecast. — Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, "The economy is humming. So why do experts foresee a recession in 2020?," 11 June 2018 Recently the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, forecasted to be normal to above normal, changed to be close to normal because of cooling sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. — Hartford Courant, courant.com, "Fair Skies And Mild Temperatures Sunday," 9 June 2018 The panelists forecasted that the nation’s GDP would grow by 2.7% in 2019. — Jonathan Sperling, Fortune, "Top Business Economists Predict U.S. Could Face Recession in 2020," 4 June 2018 The Finance Ministry forecast total debt of $14.5 billion in the 2018 budget. — Ntando Thukwana, Bloomberg.com, "AfDB Leading Talks With Zimbabwe and Creditors to Clear Arrears," 7 May 2018 Many private economists as well as the Congressional Budget Office are forecasting slower growth this year. — Joyce M. Rosenberg, The Seattle Times, "Slower manufacturing likely drag on small business optimism," 25 Mar. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Even without the threatened new tariffs, Fitch downgraded its forecast for global growth in 2019, blaming policy uncertainty caused by the Brexit situation and the breakdown of trade negotiations between the US and China. — Lydia Depillis, CNN, "Manufacturing takes a sharp turn for the worse," 17 June 2019 Fannie Mae has downgraded its economic forecast for 2019 and 2020. — R.a. Schuetz, Houston Chronicle, "Fannie Mae revises economic forecast downward for next two years," 17 June 2019 In most contexts their forecasts will outperform those of a financially disinterested committee, even one made up of experts. — The Economist, "The market believes the Fed will cut rates by September. Should it?," 13 June 2019 However, cloudy skies may obstruct your view, so check your local forecast. — Daisy Hernandez, Popular Mechanics, "Jupiter Will Be in Opposition Tonight. Here's What That Means—and How to See It," 10 June 2019 And last week, the International Air Transport Association, a global airline trade group, cut its forecast for the industry’s profits this year as air traffic slows. — New York Times, "United Technologies and Raytheon to Combine Into Aerospace and Military Giant," 9 June 2019 The central bank has revised its growth forecast for financial year 2020 from the earlier 7.2% to 7%. — Nupur Anand, Quartz India, "India’s central bank chips in a third straight time to help revive the economy," 6 June 2019 Microsoft also apparently met its own aggressive Surface forecasts from a quarter ago. — Mark Hachman, PCWorld, "Microsoft signals that Intel chip shortages could be over," 25 Apr. 2019 Unilever PLC and Nestlé SA both beat first-quarter sales forecasts, buoyed by stronger results in emerging markets. — Saabira Chaudhuri, WSJ, "Emerging Markets Boost Sales at Unilever and Nestlé," 18 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'forecast.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.