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
Intel’s second-quarter forecast also was well above analysts’ expectations. Christina Cheddar Berk,davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026 If world models develop as a complementary layer—built alongside LLMs rather than replacing them—the compute requirements could substantially exceed what current Wall Street forecasts anticipate. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
Relative humidity in parts of the Rockies and Plains on Wednesday is expected to fall to as low as 5%, and wind gusts up to 30 to 45 mph are also forecast, allowing any wildfires to rapidly start and spread. Jessica Gorman, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026 Bogus Basin was forecast to receive up to 10 inches of fresh snowfall at higher elevations, with storms lasting from Tuesday night into Thursday morning. Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Noun
  • Redick admitted that there was a freedom to the expectations suddenly being so low – a permanent-marker selection for playoff predictions among sports-debate broadcasts over the past week.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
  • FanDuel is entering the space in a moment when prediction markets faceintense scrutiny over the risk of insider trading, along with larger ethical questions about the societal impact of letting people bet on elections or geopolitical conflicts.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • These tools help predict how a candidate will handle challenges, collaborate, and fit into your team.
    Karla Vallecillo, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026
  • At these critical points, theory predicts that entanglement may spike dramatically, but models often fail to describe what actually happens.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 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
  • Powell has bristled at Warsh’s critiques Warsh has also called for the Fed to use new models, a potential reference to bringing new technologies and big data into the Fed’s forecasting process.
    Steve Liesman,Matt Peterson, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Last week at Kingpins Amsterdam, Ana Paula Alves, founder of the trend forecasting firm Be Disobedient, explained how the walls are breaking down even further.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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