forecast 1 of 2

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
Seek out locations with unobstructed views of the horizons and check the weather forecast to ensure skies will be clear. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025 Hit-and-miss rain in Kansas City’s forecast The possibility of rain returns to the region early Wednesday and again overnight into Thursday morning. Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued extreme heat warnings for southern Arizona and southeast California this week, with temperatures forecast to soar to 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025 But by early 2011, that budget was revised down to forecast a loss of $1.29 million for fiscal year 2011. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Noun
  • This prediction almost proved disastrously far from the truth.
    Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The inflation predictions follow actual inflation closely, but the blue line (predicted inflation) is known three months before the red line (actual inflation) is determined, which may serve as a useful warning of major inflation shifts.
    William Dunkelberg, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This data turns us all into numerical grist for the mathematical mill, allowing the powers that be to predict, optimize, and profit with unprecedented scale and success.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Some have predicted that the feud between Massie and Trump could devolve into a costly intra-party civil war for Republicans.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Father and son would later fulfill that prophecy in unimaginable ways.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
  • In it, a very small dragon eats the book in which the prophecy is written.
    Celia Bell July 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on forecast

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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