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 company says its 2018 global sales are forecast to top $100 billion despite curbs imposed on use of its technology by the United States, Australia, Japan and some other governments. — Joe Mcdonald, The Seattle Times, "China’s Huawei unveils chip for global big data market," 7 Jan. 2019 Slicked and soaked hair was forecasted to be a shoe-in for spring. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "Proenza Schouler Just Sent Cool-Girl Wet Hair Down the Runway—And It’s Easier to Pull Off Than You Think," 12 Feb. 2019 Rare snowfall was also forecast for some southern states . — Ivan Moreno, The Seattle Times, "Heavy snow hitting parts of Midwest; dangerous cold coming," 28 Jan. 2019 The areas most likely to see 90s are forecast to be in the southeast corner of the state, according to forecasters. — Leigh Morgan, AL.com, "Will it hit 90 degrees in Alabama this week?," 3 May 2018 The art market can be frustratingly opaque, but a series of telltale events—including auctions ongoing in London and a major art fair opening Thursday in New York—could help forecast the trajectory of art prices this year. — Kelly Crow, WSJ, "Art Collectors Seek Clues to Market Strength at London Sales, New York Fair," 2 Mar. 2019 Some relief is expected Friday, with Meteorologists forecasting a high of 23 C (73F), with cooler temperatures continuing through the weekend. — Casey Quackenbush, Time, "Death Toll in Canada Heat Wave Jumps to 34," 5 July 2018 However, a flood advisory is in effect through Saturday morning and the National Weather Service forecasts the river will rise to near 11.2 feet by Friday evening. — Rafael Guerrero, Naperville Sun, "East branch of DuPage River under flood warning; Naperville Riverwalk flooded," 22 June 2018 Many analysts have forecast further declines barring an especially frigid February. — Stephanie Yang, WSJ, "Drillers Are Easing Off the Gas," 27 Jan. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The Old Farmer's Almanac just announced its 2019 spring forecast, and the predictions call for a cold, dry season for a majority of the country. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "Old Farmer's Almanac Predicts a Cold, Rainless Spring for Most of the Country," 5 Mar. 2019 Analysts may be hesitant to use the F word (flop, duh) but Apple has cut its production forecast and is offering steep trade-in discounts to sell more. — Joanna Stern, WSJ, "iPhone XR Revisited: The Best iPhone Apple Can’t Sell," 7 Jan. 2019 These managers rely on research, forecasts, and their own judgment to make investment decisions. — Ellen Sheng, Marie Claire, "A Beginner's Guide to Investing," 2 Jan. 2019 The color of the year is determined by color consultants at Pantone, who look at seasonal trend forecasts and color psychology. — Danielle Tullo, House Beautiful, "Pantone's 2019 Color Of The Year Is Here And The Future Is Looking Bright," 6 Dec. 2018 Its internal mic can hear you even over music, allowing you to ask Alexa to set timers and reminders, read the news, check the forecast, and so forth. — Valentina Palladino, Ars Technica, "Guidemaster: Want an Alexa device? Here’s every Amazon Echo, compared," 22 Nov. 2018 Rain is in the forecast, which could bring some relief from the poor air quality that’s blanketed parts of the state. — Mary Beth Griggs, The Verge, "Scientists fly through plumes of wildfire smoke to unravel its mysteries," 21 Nov. 2018 These experts will give you up-to-the-second forecasts and warnings. — Brian Resnick, Vox, "Hurricane Michael is heading to Florida and the Southeast. Here’s what we know.," 8 Oct. 2018 From Arizona to Utah, some residents filled sandbags in anticipation of heavy rainfall forecasts and potential flooding. — Terry Tang, The Seattle Times, "Tropical Storm Rosa heads for Baja, US Southwest," 1 Oct. 2018

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.