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
The Weather Channel, for example, has a 15-day allergy forecast that ranks a ZIP Code’s allergy risk from very low to very high. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025 Positive Guidance Looking forward to the fiscal fourth quarter ending June 27, 2025, Western Digital provided a positive forecast, estimating revenue of $2.45 billion ± $150 million and non-GAAP EPS of $1.45 ± $0.20—both exceeding analyst predictions. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
May 14, 2025 It was buoyed by wind gusts up to 35 mph Tuesday night, and another red flag warning is forecast for the area through Wednesday, with wind gusts of up to 45 mph expected, officials reported. Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 14 May 2025 The storms are forecast to bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches). Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Verb
  • Scientists predict that within the next 15 years this ice cap will disappear in summer for the first time in millennia, accelerating global warming.
    Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
  • The test predicted that my father’s risk of dying from the disease in the next five years was less than 5%.
    Luisel Ricks-Santi, The Conversation, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • The bitcoin price has rocketed to over $100,000 per bitcoin, up 30% from its April lows, triggering a wave of bullish bitcoin price predictions that could see the bitcoin price eventually flip gold’s $20 trillion market capitalization.
    Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • As if this summer's scorching weather prediction from the Old Farmer's Almanac wasn't enough to set us all—ahem—ablaze, hurricane season 2025 is also poised to set some records.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • With her momentum, Irene is already laying a path to deliver what a gay prophecy once foretold: a Porkchop queen who dark horses her way to win All Stars.
    Chris Feil, Vulture, 9 May 2025
  • On Thursday, that prophecy came true, when Prevost, a 69-year-old cardinal, was elected to be the 267th pontiff -- and the first from the United States.
    Alex Perez, ABC News, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on forecast

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