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
Around 60 Saturday, but wintry mix potential remains in the forecast for early next week. Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2026 And go outside even if the forecast isn’t good. Natalia V. Osipova, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
The data, which forecasts risks, paints a concerning picture about the increasing threat of heart disease and stroke. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 25 Feb. 2026 During an after-market analyst call, Gelfond in prepared remarks forecast Imax will continue to grab a bigger share of the global box office this year and next as a provider of premium theatrical screens and technologies to distinguish itself from the broader exhibition industry. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Noun
  • Over time, those sequences result in approximation errors that are compounded by the proliferation of patterns that may be statisticallyanalyzed but elude prediction.
    Patrick R. Crowley, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
  • The controversy also comes as some are worrying that prediction markets could exacerbate conflict-of–interest concerns in a sports world already beset by widespread betting scandals.
    Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Temperatures are predicted to be in the 50s at start time and rise into the 60s as the first athletes cross the finish line.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Others stake out a middle ground, predicting an AI transition that will be difficult but ultimately positive.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Feb. 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
  • The independent, nonpartisan Cook Political Report, which has a sterling decades-long record of election forecasting, said the most probable outcome is a wash.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
  • When the system requires real-time tax forecasting, surprises in April should not surprise us.
    Sakinah Tillman, Baltimore Sun, 28 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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