forecast

1 of 2

verb

fore·​cast ˈfȯr-ˌkast How to pronounce forecast (audio)
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 adjective
forecaster noun

forecast

2 of 2

noun

fore·​cast ˈfȯr-ˌkast How to pronounce forecast (audio)
1
: a prophecy, estimate, or prediction of a future happening or condition
2
archaic : foresight of consequences and provision against them : forethought
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 National Hurricane Center is forecasting Helene to rapidly intensify and eventually become a Category 3 hurricane over a record-warm Gulf of Mexico – a feat becoming more likely as the world warms due to fossil fuel pollution. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 23 Sep. 2024 Who else is already using A.I. to forecast extreme weather events? Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024
Noun
Our forecast is based on a 21x forward expected adjusted earnings of $7.40 per share in 2025. Trefis Team, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 According to our forecast, for example, there is a 1-in-6 chance that one of the candidates wins the popular vote by more than 10 points. G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for forecast 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'forecast.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of forecast was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near forecast

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forecast. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

forecast

1 of 2 verb
fore·​cast ˈfō(ə)r-ˌkast How to pronounce forecast (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on forecast

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