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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Saturday Saturday is forecasted as partly sunny with a high near 41 and a 20 percent chance of showers. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 2 Dec. 2024 Western portions of New York are also forecast to remain under lake effect snow warnings through Tuesday night, causing difficult and dangerous travel conditions. Chandelis Duster, NPR, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
On Wednesday, a forecast from the Buffalo, New York office anticipated that the greatest snowfall amounts would be seen in northeastern Oswego County and western Lewis County, where up to 18 inches of lake effect snow was expected. Anna Skinner, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 Southwest said in a securities filing that fourth-quarter unit revenue will likely rise between 5.5% and 7% from last year, up from a previous forecast of an increase of no more than 5.5%. Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for forecast 

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 13 Dec. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!