Definition of forecastnext

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
The forecast Wednesday called for Byron to top out at 104 degrees and Livermore at 96 degrees, according to AccuWeather. Jason Green, Mercury News, 16 July 2026 By sharing long-term production forecasts, the companies expect to improve manufacturing efficiency while ensuring memory technologies are available throughout a vehicle’s development and production lifecycle. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
Verb
Barclays strategist Emmanuel Cau said earnings excluding tech and energy are forecast to have grown just 5% year over year. Fred Imbert, CNBC, 15 July 2026 Patrick De Haan, a petroleum analyst at GasBuddy, forecast that the average national gas price could rise above $4 per gallon within the next week and add to those gains over the ensuing days. Max Zahn, ABC News, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Noun
  • For the most recent earnings season, these forecasting fruit flies buzzed around modeling 12% earnings growth for the quarter.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • This is because temperature measurements used in weather forecasting are taken in the shade and are not exposed to direct sunlight.
    Brian Bossak, The Conversation, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Dreessen predicts the smoke will lessen by the time thunderstorms roll through, lowering the chance of dirty rain.
    Nicole Pilsbury, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2026
  • The forecast for Sunday in East Rutherford predicts clear skies and temperatures at a moderate 80 degrees.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Advertisement For many who work in climate, this season of extremes has revived the longstanding prediction that the effects of rising global temperatures will help drive a resurgence in concern among policymakers and the general public.
    Justin Worland, Time, 18 July 2026
  • The highest call came from Blair’s fellow brokerage Raymond James at $800; the lowest was Stifel’s prediction of $190.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 18 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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