Definition of forecastnext

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
But with agents empowered to issue a refund or update a sales forecast, that mistake can cost a business a lot of money. Michael Leone, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 The forecast for the Houston area on Tuesday called for isolated thunderstorms and showers. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 8 July 2026
Verb
Another storm, Super Typhoon Bavi, is forecast to hit southeastern China over the weekend. ABC News, 8 July 2026 Salt Lake City’s all-time high temperature record is 107 degrees, and the city is forecast to top out around 104 degrees Saturday and 105 degrees Sunday. Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Noun
  • For the most recent earnings season, these forecasting fruit flies buzzed around modeling 12% earnings growth for the quarter.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • This is because temperature measurements used in weather forecasting are taken in the shade and are not exposed to direct sunlight.
    Brian Bossak, The Conversation, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Susan Del Percio, a New York GOP strategist, predicted the dueling programs would excite the different constituencies of the two leaders.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
  • But predicting how things will change decades from now is a more daunting task than embracing a gauzy promise.
    Juliet Eilperin, Washington Post, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Sportsbook odds can also reflect risk management and bettor demand, while prediction markets can be influenced by liquidity and trader composition.
    Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • World Cup enthusiasm has given a jolt to prediction market platform Rothera, a joint venture between Susquehanna International Group and Robinhood.
    Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 4 July 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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