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

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
And the hot weather is coming — starting Friday, highs are basically in the 80s and 90s for as far as the forecasts can see. Idaho Statesman, 12 June 2026 Get the weather forecast for today here. South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2026
Verb
The issue is forecasting sales. Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Far from a future concept, AI is a real-time business capability reshaping how assortments are planned, demand is forecasted, product performance is evaluated and market shifts are addressed. Sj Studio, Footwear News, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Noun
  • For David John Gagne of NSF’s National Center for Atmospheric Research, the impact on weather forecasting is sizable.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026
  • Nationwide, the 15 host cities are seeing an average 15% increase in demand, said Bram Gallagher, director of economics and forecasting with AirDNA, said.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • Nobody would have predicted the historic 4-1 dismantling of a respected Paraguay team that had beaten Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay in the World Cup qualifying round.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026
  • Enhanced risk is a level 3 out of 5 on the scale for predicting storms.
    Kendrick Calfee June 13, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Though rooted in research and development, reliable, frequent precipitation measurements had value for agricultural, disaster management, weather forecasting, flood prediction and other applications.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • The Polymarket sponsorship comes at a time when there are already concerns about potential insider trading among White House staff and allies as betting on prediction markets have come under scrutiny.
    Isabella Murray, ABC News, 14 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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