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

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
Caterpillar on Thursday raised its annual revenue forecast and delivered a big earnings beat. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 May 2026 The forecast in South Florida over the next seven days. Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Verb
More rain is forecast through Friday, with Gulf Coast cities — including Houston; Lake Charles, Louisiana; and New Orleans — bracing for continued wet conditions. Francie Ebert, NBC news, 7 May 2026 Orlando, Melbourne, Sanford and Key West are also forecast to see record heat on Thursday, according to the Southeast Regional Climate Center. Kimberly Miller, USA Today, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Noun
  • The team further confirmed its validity by comparing predictions with experimental results across a wide range of material combinations.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026
  • This at its core was a junk data problem because their world model lacked sufficient understanding of physics leading to realistic prediction.
    Jason Corso, Fortune, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • That’s why looking at birthrates alone to predict the capacity needs of pediatric hospitals isn’t enough, Quiroga said.
    Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026
  • House Speaker Matt Ritter of Hartford – one of the top vote-counters at the Capitol – had predicted 115 to 120 votes in favor of the budget, which passed with 127 votes.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 2 May 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
  • All other assessable events, for the most part, can be predicted through assessment roll forecasting, which is conducted throughout the year to ensure few surprises, if any, at the end of the year.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 4 May 2026
  • Last year, Colorado approved the aerial snow monitoring and forecasting program, part of the statewide water agency, the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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