future 1 of 2

noun

Definition of futurenext
1
as in tomorrow
time that is to come in the future, there may be medical discoveries that are beyond our fondest dreams

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fate
what is going to happen to someone in the time ahead with such a strong academic record, his future looks bright

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

future

2 of 2

adjective

ˈfyü-chər How to pronounce future (audio)
as in coming
of a time after the present we must preserve our national parks in all their glory so that future generations can experience the majesty of nature

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 future
Noun
But even if a racing career isn’t in your (or your kid’s) future, karting is still a blast. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 10 Sep. 2026 The key will be to watch what the CME FedWatch futures index does. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
As Russia continues to inch towards these cities, the remaining residents fear Moscow is laying the ground for a future attack. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 After being invited to be part of the NFL’s Accelerator Program for prospective future head coaches this offseason, Adams is a name that has now been taken notice of around the NFL. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for future
Recent Examples of Synonyms for future
  1. tomorrow
  2. fate
  3. coming
  4. futurity
  5. destiny
  6. upcoming
  7. circumstance
  8. subsequent
Noun
  • There is a slim 10-20% chance of an isolated shower or rumble east of I-35 today, and that chance shifts to west of I-35 tomorrow.
    — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Use the boost to clear your desk, improve a checklist, or prepare something that will make tomorrow easier.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of tomorrow
Noun
  • The fate of the Eagles hinges on how well Mannion and Hurts connect.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • For this is the fate of technology tycoons down through history.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of fate
Adjective
  • Participating Airports The program currently includes 13 airports and will include more across the country in the coming months, according to TSA.
    — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Swain expects future waves of humidity are probable in coming years.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of coming
Noun
  • Established in 2023, the biennial prize is given in recognition of next-gen multidisciplinary artists working at the intersection of art, media, and technology to explore notions of futurity and transformation.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 4 Nov. 2025
  • This reading list offers resources for engaging with Indigenous thought, resistance, and futurity.
    — JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 11 Oct. 2025
Definition of futurity
Noun
  • People looking out for themselves have compromised the fates of those who have less control over their destinies.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Its transition from a centaur into a comet is thought to have resulted from 450P having a date with destiny.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of destiny
Adjective
  • Michigan’s upcoming game against Oklahoma should be the biggest story in town.
    — Austin Meek, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Although Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate to Democrats' 45, along with two independents who caucus with Democrats, GOP senators have raised concerns about possible tight margins on upcoming votes in the fall.
    — Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of upcoming
Noun
  • Palace had a four-vs-three overload and scored in farcical circumstances.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Beyond these core features, Quicken Simplifi’s insights can predict your spending in future months based on past spending patterns, as well as model your available funds later in retirement based on different decisions or circumstances.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of circumstance
Adjective
  • Police and lifeguard efforts The teen’s accident in July was one of three incidents and subsequent rescues over a 15-day period, according to the San Diego Union Tribune.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In a subsequent interview with Russian media, Vishegirskaya said that the hospital had only been shelled, not bombed, and that she had been filmed without her consent.
    — Nick Holdstock, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of subsequent

Browse Nearby Words

futons
future
futureless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Future.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/future. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on future

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about future

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of quorum

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
funny guinea pig in glasses reading a book
Challenging Words You Should Know Vol 2 Words to the wise
See All