forecast

1 of 2

verb

fore·​cast ˈfȯr-ˌkast 

fȯr-ˈkast

forecast also forecasted; forecasting

transitive verb

1

a

: 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

forecastable

ˈfȯr-ˌka-stə-bəl 

adjective

forecaster noun

forecast

2 of 2

noun

fore·​cast ˈfȯr-ˌkast 

1

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

2

archaic : foresight of consequences and provision against them : forethought

Synonyms

Verb

• augur
• call
• foretell
• predict
• presage
• prognosticate
• prophesy
• read
• vaticinate

Noun

• auguring
• augury
• bodement
• cast
• forecasting
• foretelling
• predicting
• prediction
• presaging
• prognosis
• prognostic
• prognosticating
• prognostication
• prophecy
• prophesy
• soothsaying
• vaticination

Choose the Right Synonym for forecast

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 Federal Reserve had forecast three interest-rate cuts this year, contingent on easing inflation. —Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024

China, the only one of the three key markets forecast to show year-on-year growth compared to 2023, is expected to earn $7.9 billion, on par with earlier estimates. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Apr. 2024

But even at last month’s Fed meeting, some cracks had emerged: Nine of the 19 policymakers forecast just two rate cuts or fewer for 2024. —Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2024

Some analysts forecast that the European Union’s carbon tax will soar well above €100 a metric ton in future years, making proposals like Eni’s, which Mr. Brusco says will cost less than €80 a metric ton on average, an easier sell. —Stanley Reed, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024

In June 2022, months before unrest swept the country, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei gave a speech that seemed to forecast the crackdown. —Nilo Tabrizy, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024

And while analysts aren’t forecasting any sudden plunges in employment, there are some signs that labor-market conditions could come in weak this month. —Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 2 Apr. 2024

In Godwin’s conception, the play’s famous trio of witches not only forecasts Macbeth’s fate, but also serves as commentator on the carnage. —Peter Marks, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024

Information from the federal National Integrated Drought Information System shows that drought is forecasted to persist for a northern portion of the state through the end of June. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2024

Noun

Express forecast Today: Mix of clouds and sun, stray shower. —Dan Stillman, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024

Detailed Cincinnati forecast Wednesday: Showers, mainly after 9 a.m. High near 67. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 10 Apr. 2024

Thursday weather forecast in Augusta, Ga. Thursday comes with some uncertainty given the forecast for poor weather. —Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2024

Additionally, forecasts for tech earnings remain strong, with analysts expecting the sector to report that profits soared 20% in the first quarter. —Sagarika Jaisinghani, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2024

The forecast calls for likely rain Thursday and sunshine the next three days, with temperatures ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s. —Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024

Weather predictions, forecast for Louisville As of Tuesday afternoon, the weather forecast for the coming days in Louisville is as follows. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 9 Apr. 2024

Indianapolis and Cleveland were anxiously hanging on every forecast update. —John Bacon, USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2024

Here's the latest forecast along the path of totality: Mazatlan, Mexico: Dry and mostly cloudy with a few breaks in the clouds. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1527, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

forecast

1 of 2 verb

fore·​cast ˈfō(ə)r-ˌkast 

ˈfȯ(ə)r-

forecast also forecasted; forecasting

: to calculate or predict (a future event or state) usually by study and examination of data

forecast the weather

forecaster noun

forecast

2 of 2 noun

: an estimate or prediction of a future happening or condition

weather forecasts