Definition of forecastnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word forecast different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of forecast are foretell, predict, prognosticate, and prophesy. While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties.

forecast snow

When can foretell be used instead of forecast?

The words foretell and forecast can be used in similar contexts, but foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

When could predict be used to replace forecast?

The synonyms predict and forecast are sometimes interchangeable, but predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

How is prognosticate related to other words for forecast?

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

Where would prophesy be a reasonable alternative to forecast?

While the synonyms prophesy and forecast are close in meaning, prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of forecast
Noun
Most of the Kansas City forecast area is under a slight risk (level 2 of 4) for excessive rainfall overnight, according to the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center. Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 That was up 12% and a new record but below analysts’ forecasts and the company’s guidance. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Verb
Credit, perhaps, the rain chances, which are forecast to increase on the weekend to just above 50% Saturday and around 30% Sunday, before inching back up to 40% on Monday and Tuesday, according to the weather service. Howard Cohen july 29, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 Morgan Stanley analysts forecast its market for humanoids could reach $15 billion by 2030. Chan Ho-Him, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Noun
  • The Saudi market is the only index to have risen so far this year, with the kingdom forecasting growth as most of its crude has been diverted to Red Sea ports.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 24 July 2026
  • Argonne will lead or support projects to speed nuclear energy deployment, grid reliability, weather forecasting, and scientific infrastructure.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • So far, the models used to predict and plan for sea level rise, for instance, aren’t even taking it into account.
    Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • So reasoning traces, the very things that supposedly distinguish LRMs from the mere next-word-predicting LLMs, are not necessarily either meaningful or causal to a model’s … reasoning?
    John Pavlus, Quanta Magazine, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • But the federal probe into the Kalshi trading prompted rival online prediction platform Polymarket to cut ties with Santos in June.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • That match was also the largest event prediction markets have ever priced.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • With the 2025 college football season on the horizon, months of previewing and predicting soon will be in the rearview mirror.
    Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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