forecast 1 of 2

forecast

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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
Specific city forecasts show variable cloudiness, with Cleveland and Akron expected to be the most overcast. Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025 Friday’s spots of patchy fog will give way to partly sunny skies with a high near 72 degrees, the National Weather Service office said in its Sacramento forecasts. Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Saudi Arabia’s fashion market is forecast to hit $32 billion by 2025, up almost 50% since 2021, with global houses like Dior and Valentino betting on the market, according to the Saudi Fashion Commission. Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025 Showers are forecast to start Saturday morning, with very cloudy conditions and temperatures in the 50s. Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Noun
  • Futures and prediction markets imply that by early 2026 the policy rate lands modestly lower than today but not back to the zero-rate world.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The scrutiny is warranted – Hollywood is watching tech companies try to replace creative judgment with pattern recognition, treating the art of storytelling as a prediction problem.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Those who predicted a doomed future for all of humanity called us addicts and criminals, leeches and slime (and way worse things) because we were detested, shouted at, dragged by our arms across bedrooms and public sporting events.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Despite what the students view as anti-conservative bias, one predicted a conservative uprising, citing the assassination of Charlie Kirk as fuel for more right-leaning college students to speak out.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
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
  • Each platform comes standard with sales forecasting, scoring, and process automation, and is a robust system for SMBs.
    Jason Phillips, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Here's what 4 forecasting models predict What are tips for watching the northern lights?
    Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Revolving around Patrick McCollum, a 75-year-old eccentric peace activist who believes he has been chosen by an ancient prophecy to help unite the Indigenous tribes of South America to save the Amazon and the planet from environmental ruin, the 85-minute film is undeniably surreal.
    Addie Morfoot, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Yesterday seemed much more like a team retreating by choice, both through in-game changes and by the sheer fear of surrendering another lead — a fear that became a self-fulfilling prophecy.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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