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
Meanwhile, an initial hurricane forecast was a mixed bag. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026 Back closer to home, the forecast this week is calling for some rain in San Diego County, perhaps bringing our heatwave to an end — and more mild conditions for a trip Ross is leading to Eagle Rock this weekend. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
Goldman Sachs forecasts a 30% chance of a recession. Jake Angelo, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026 The strongest gusts forecast along the coast, with isolated winds capable of blowing at more than 50 mph along the Volusia and Brevard coasts. Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Noun
  • Over seven days, ARGOS reduced total water usage by 58% and was only about 4% off in its soil measuring predictions, Paul said.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Such prescient wagers have raised eyebrows — and accusations that prediction markets are ripe for insider trading.
    Ken Sweet, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • These tools help predict how a candidate will handle challenges, collaborate, and fit into your team.
    Karla Vallecillo, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026
  • At these critical points, theory predicts that entanglement may spike dramatically, but models often fail to describe what actually happens.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 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
  • If historical beat rates hold, that would rise to 19%, the forecasting firm said.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Aily enables real-time forecasting for demand sensing and inventory optimization, allowing brands to respond operationally as signals emerge — capturing opportunities rather than missing them.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 13 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on forecast

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster