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

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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

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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

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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
Former Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown confronted ex-running mate Jayson Tatum at a dinner table in France last June over their future in Boston, and that bad blood finally resurfaced on the hardwood Tuesday night. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026 In response, a member of the County Council rightly raised concerns about limited resources, noting the county has an economic future to grapple with and that the revenue conversation is worth having. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
The future value of intellectual property may increasingly depend not only on what an organization has already invented but also on its proprietary capacity to generate, validate and commercialize future discoveries. — Joseph K. Hopkins, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026 These purchases did not put the school on the hook for future software or tech upgrades. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 12 Nov. 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
  • The resort delayed its opening by a few days to allow for more snowmaking, and a few intermediate runs will be open beginning tomorrow.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • And on that first call Stevie did not know Songs in the Key of Life had saved my life across broken hearts and broken bones and broken tomorrows.
    — Kevin Powell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of tomorrow
Noun
  • Unfortunately, the device malfunctioned while en route to the observatory, forcing mission engineers to abandon the attempt and leave Swift to its fate.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Although many political experts expect Democrats to flip control of the House this midterm cycle, the Senate‘s fate remains murky.
    — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of fate
Adjective
  • The coming months will show just how close Democrats are willing to get to that line.
    — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
  • And that number is bound to rise in the coming years, as humanity builds out more and more megaconstellations in Earth orbit.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 4 Nov. 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
  • A thing humanity must evolve beyond (or at least learn to control) to reach our highest destiny as galaxy conquering space lords or whatever.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The notion of destiny comes up once more, in the idea that Ravana going down this violent path is something the gods might actually want to entrap him in a battle with Rama.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of destiny
Adjective
  • Kuzma’s email came out of the blue, several parents told the Tribune, blindsiding them, the athletes and other students as the team prepared for an upcoming bowl game.
    — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
  • After responding to a letter from the condo association's attorney threatening foreclosure, Farthing is now awaiting an upcoming court date where a judge will determine whether to grant her an extension on paying the debt.
    — Joan Murray, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of upcoming
Noun
  • The value of a life insurance policy, like any other insurance coverage, however, is relative to the policyholder, their financial circumstances and their goals.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Why should two families in similar circumstances pay such wildly different taxes when all else is equal?
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of circumstance
Adjective
  • The exact nature of the medical emergency and the subsequent surgery has not been disclosed.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Without a mechanism to correct these errors, the inaccurate information could remain in the robot’s memory and affect subsequent decisions.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of subsequent

Browse Nearby Words

futons
future
futureless
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Cite this Entry

“Future.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/future. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on future

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about future

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