forecast 1 of 2

Definition of forecastnext

forecast

2 of 2

verb

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

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
Flood conditions were expected to worsen, with more heavy rain forecast for the region throughout the day. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026 The weather forecast in South Florida through Friday afternoon. Scott Withers, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
An extreme heat warning is in effect for metro Phoenix as temperatures are forecast to reach a record-breaking 104 degrees. Hannah Dreyfus, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 2026 Wolf Creek Pass, located at nearly 11,000 feet in southern Colorado, is also not forecast to reach freezing temperatures overnight this week. Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Noun
  • After years of prediction that time crystals could exist in the real world too, scientists made the first-ever time crystal nearly a decade ago and have found several types of time crystals each with unique properties that could be used for different applications.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The rise of prediction markets — which MLB has decided to embrace — has added more fuel to the fire.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In the Midwest, temperatures exceeding 90 were predicted across Nebraska, followed by a big drop to the 50s and 60s Sunday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Each week since the season began in August, four of us — young Wilfred, a guest subscriber on rotation, an algorithm and I — have been predicting the Premier League scores with varying degrees of success.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 21 Mar. 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
Noun
  • Conclusion Commercial forecasting at scale is not a modeling contest.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The center’s work focuses on hurricane forecasting, wildfire monitoring, weather prediction and space weather, among other areas.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 17 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

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