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
Crocs brand revenues were guided down 3 percent, while the struggling Hey Dude brand was forecasted to be down mid-20 percent from year-ago levels. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025 For precipitation, Ohio is forecast to experience above-normal precipitation. Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Noun
  • The owners of capital control the means of prediction that are needed for building AI—data, computational infrastructure, technical expertise, and energy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • After the Houston Rockets’ 110–102 win over the Dallas Mavericks, the 15-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion offered high praise for the Mavericks’ 18-year-old forward — and a prediction that turned heads.
    Grant Afseth, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • China has agreed to allow the export of chips critical to auto production, averting widespread shutdowns that had been predicted by the industry.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Due to these supply challenges of the Thanksgiving birds, AFBF predicts turkey prices will be up 40 percent from 2024.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 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
  • Cooler temperatures are expected on Wednesday, according to the forecasting service.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Much better weather forecasting today would likely prevent a similar voyage from even taking place.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on forecast

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