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

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
After warm temperatures for the next few days, the forecast shows cooler weather by late next week, Kuroski said. Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026 The hour-by-hour forecast in South Florida on Friday, March 6, 2026. Shane Hinton, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
For the upcoming fiscal year, the city forecasts about $48 million in homeless services funding from its general fund, the city’s main reservoir for money generally spent without restrictions. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026 Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are forecast. Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Noun
  • Brazil still doesn’t have specific regulation for prediction markets, but the finance ministry is following this market evolution closely and started preliminary talks on it.
    Katherine Doherty, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Despite the groundhog’s predictions, Texas has already welcomed warmer weather along with the introduction of severe weather season — both indicative of the seasonal shift.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • However, the weather is not predicted to be as dangerous as previous days.
    Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Carlisle called Doncic the greatest player he’s ever coached and predicted Doncic will eventually win a league MVP award.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 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
Noun
  • The general setup for the strong storms is a clash between warm air streaming north from the Gulf Coast and cooler Canadian air behind cold fronts, according to meteorologists with the private forecasting service AccuWeather.
    Kathy McCormack, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Douglas Hilderbrand, the executive director of the American Weather Enterprise Association, a new trade group focused on forecasting and communicating weather information, has been working with Sorensen on the bill.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 5 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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