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
The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forecasts growth to drop to 2.6% in 2025, from 3.6% in the prior year. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 15 May 2025 As noted in her report, global passenger volume was forecast to increase by 6.7 percent this year, compared with 2024, and surpass the 5 billion mark worldwide for the first time, according to the International Air Transport Association. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Noun
As the range of near-term outcomes widens and becomes hard to predict, the company is withholding second-quarter operating income growth and earnings per share forecasts, CFO Rainey said. Ananya Mariam Rajesh, USA Today, 16 May 2025 Chicago is still expecting rainfall on Friday night, but weather forecasts show that the temperature will cool and the severe thunderstorms will stop in time for Beyoncé's Saturday and Sunday night performances. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 16 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forecast. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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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