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

Keep scrolling for more

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 storm is forecast to intensify into a hurricane over the next several days but remain off the coast before zipping off toward Newfoundland late in the week. — Jason Samenow, Washington Post, "Tropical Storm Chris forms off the Carolinas, generating dangerous surf," 8 July 2018 The overnight low temperature was forecast at 95 degrees. — Brieanna J Frank, azcentral, "Dust storm rolls through parts of Valley," 5 July 2018 It was forecast to raise $10 billion and give the company a value of up to $100 billion. — Hallie Detrick, Fortune, "Did the IPO Market Seem White-Hot Over the Last 6 Months? You're Right, It Was," 2 July 2018 High temperatures are forecast in the mid-90s from Saturday through at least Monday in the Baltimore region. — Scott Dance, baltimoresun.com, "Heat wave moving into Central Maryland for the weekend; air quality alert issued Friday," 29 June 2018 Temperatures overnight were forecast to drop as low as 14 degrees on the summit. — Evan Bush, The Seattle Times, "Rescuers find missing Boy Scouts after night near summit of Mount Baker," 4 June 2018 Puerto Rico also suffered widespread damage from Hurricane Maria, and Gov. Ricardo Rossello had worried the island could experience power outages if Beryl arrived as a tropical storm as originally forecast. — Washington Post, "Beryl dissipates after Dominica, easing threat to others," 9 July 2018 But if the oxygen levels continue to drop inside the cave or the water levels rise because of these monsoon rains that are forecast this weekend, swimming out sooner than later may be the only option. — Fox News, "Trump eyes even higher tariffs as China trade war escalates," 7 July 2018 On Saturday and Sunday, when temperatures are forecast to be slightly cooler, the department will staff an extra five brush engines and one water tender. — Alex Riggins, sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego fire department to increase staffing in anticipation of weekend heatwave," 5 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The bloc raised this year’s eurozone inflation forecast to 1.7% from 1.5% and said consumer price increases will remain steady at 1.7% in 2019, compared with a 1.6% rate previously expected. — Emre Peker, WSJ, "Europe Sees Trade Tensions With U.S. Eating Into Economic Growth," 12 July 2018 The weakening Beryl is forecast to approach the territories and the chance of some islands receiving direct impacts from wind and rainfall has not been ruled out. — Howard Cohen, miamiherald, "Beryl weakens to a tropical storm with winds up to 60 mph as it heads toward islands," 7 July 2018 The heat could reach its peak Tuesday, but temperatures for Wednesday through Friday are still forecast for the low 90s. — Frank Kummer, Philly.com, "Extended heatwave in Philadelphia amid July 4th crowds adds to health concerns," 2 July 2018 Thyssenkrupp’s 2018 sales forecast is 42.2 billion euros, according to analyst estimates. — Chiara Albanese, Bloomberg.com, "Thyssenkrupp Unit Sees $220 Million Hit Without Steel Safeguard," 28 June 2018 Williams spoke after Auriemma at the charity event and the coach wasn’t around to comment on the freshman’s forecast for the team’s season. — Kelli Stacy, courant.com, "UConn Freshman Christyn Williams Makes Bold National Championship Prediction," 25 June 2018 The earlier start time would kick in when the OSHA Heat Index is forecast to hit 103 degrees, which is expected to happen next week. — Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati.com, "Rumpke to start an hour earlier in Covington during 'brutally hot days'," 15 June 2018 Salmon numbers: The National Marine Fisheries Service predicts more than 229,000 salmon will be available this year on the Bay Area coast — nearly identical to last year’s forecast of more than 230,000. — Tom Stienstra, SFChronicle.com, "Salmon opener brings mysteries, chance of mayhem," 10 June 2018 Even the desert gets stuck in a pattern: Borrego Springs is forecast to hit 106 for five straight days. — Robert Krier, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Pleasant weather, little June gloom expected for next week," 7 June 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.