forecast 1 of 2

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
Along with the Fed's policy announcement, central bankers will release their economic forecasts. Medora Lee, USA Today, 19 June 2025 But the forecast go-broke date of 2033 is still later than the dates of 2031, 2028 and 2026 predicted just a few years ago. Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025
Verb
Potential daily record highs are also forecast for parts of the Rockies and Plains on Friday and Saturday. Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 18 June 2025 Management forecasted earnings per share of $2.55 to $2.65, ahead of the $2.36 estimate. Zev Fima, CNBC, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Verb
  • Research and advisory firm Gartner predicted in February that by 2027, the average prices of application programming interfaces for genAI will fall to less than 1% of the current average price for the same technology.
    Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • Even in the Aspen X Games test run, the tool predicted a top 3 order of finish that differed from the betting lines set by oddsmakers.
    David Bloom, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Work with technical teams to explore the distinctions between tools and agents; deterministic and probabilistic outcomes; and optimization, prediction and generative AI.
    Lucas Persona, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • But attendance appeared to fall far short of early predictions that as many as 200,000 people would attend the festival and parade.
    Lolita C. Baldor, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • Keep your eyes and ears open and be prudently mindful of all prophecies concerning the future of AI.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • Israel’s victory in the Six-Day War, and its conquest of the West Bank and other territory, were proof that God was fulfilling biblical prophecies.
    Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on forecast

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!