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

Examples 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
Our forecast is based on a 11x P/E multiple for PFE and expected earnings of $3.15 on a per-share and adjusted basis for the full year 2025. Trefis Team, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 The California Department of Water Resources said its initial supply forecast is based on current reservoir storage levels and conservative precipitation projections for the months to come. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
Lower-end chances for precipitation are forecast for the weekend. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 Dec. 2024 The company forecasts shoppers will purchase $18.5 billion worth of goods using the third-party services for the period Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, with $993 million worth of purchases on Cyber Monday alone. Cora Lewis, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for forecast 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Verb
  • The National Retail Federation predicts retail sales this winter will be up to 3.5% higher than last year.
    Alina Selyukh, NPR, 27 Nov. 2024
  • In Denver, a key commercial airline hub, forecasters predict a couple of inches of snow.
    Alysa Guffey, The Indianapolis Star, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The cryptocurrency market continues to stir up bold predictions, with its latest coming from none other than Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki.
    Dan Runkevicius, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
  • Even the best predictions can only accurately be made a few days or even hours in advance.
    Eric Lagatta, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Valya and her sister Tula (Olivia Williams) have high hopes for their new recruit, who Valya is convinced is part of the prophecy, but Sister Kasha, who’s mentored Ynez under Corrino, has been gripped by disturbing portents of things to come.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024
  • The two campaigns have weaponized America against itself—a self-fulfilling prophecy.
    Chris Jackson, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near forecast

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on forecast

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