fore·cast
ˈfȯr-ˌkast 
fȯr-ˈkast
forecast also forecasted; forecasting
1
a
: to calculate or predict (some future event or condition) usually as a result of study and analysis of available pertinent data
The company is forecasting reduced profits.
especially
: to predict (weather conditions) on the basis of correlated meteorological (see meteorology sense 1) observations
They're forecasting rain for this weekend.
b
: to indicate as likely to occur
Optimists are forecasting an immediate upswing in business.
2
: to serve as a forecast of : presage
Such events may forecast peace.
: to calculate the future
if it turns out as I forecasted
forecaster
noun
fore·cast
ˈfȯr-ˌkast
1
: a prophecy, estimate, or prediction of a future happening or condition
2
archaic
: foresight of consequences and provision against them : forethought
Synonyms
Verb
Noun
Examples of forecast in a Sentence
Verb
They're forecasting rain for this weekend.
The company is forecasting reduced profits.
Experts forecast that the economy will slow in the coming months.
Noun
want to catch the weather forecast so I'll know what kind of clothes to pack for the trip tomorrow
Recent Examples on the Web
Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2024
Sunday is forecast for a high near 98 degrees with winds from 5 to 10 mph, before cooling to a low of 68 degrees in the evening.
—Caralin Nunes, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2024
New rain amounts are forecast between a tenth and quarter of an inch, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.
—Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2024
Last year, most economists were forecasting three market-juicing interest rate cuts in 2024, with some predicting as many as six.
—Bywill Daniel, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024
The National Weather Service in Boise forecasts a 60% chance of precipitation, with some storms capable of producing gusty winds and hail.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 12 Apr. 2024
Moderna forecasts that its respiratory franchise, which includes its COVID-19 vaccine and an upcoming RSV vaccine, will generate $4 billion in revenue this year.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 11 Apr. 2024
In an update last month, the company forecast Leqembi revenue from North and South America of around $1.3 billion — but not for another two years, from April 2026 to March 2027.
—Damian Garde, STAT, 11 Apr. 2024
According to Anton, the upward trend of positive results from U.S. tests forecasts an eventual assembly plant here in Fort Worth, which the company says, will mean the hiring of local workers.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2024
Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2024
Additionally, a heat index tool, along with a forecast dedicated to determining heat risk in the Valley, can be referred to on the National Weather Service's website when gauging extreme temperatures and conditions.
—The Arizona Republic, 22 Apr. 2024
Next year’s budget will be the sixth to include money from the measure, with revenue of almost $19 million forecast for the year, well above the initial expectation of $11.7 for year six revenue.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
Its forecasts for total digital sales have also been scaled back.
—Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 21 Apr. 2024
Still, Netflix’s stock tumbled 9% on Friday after the announcement, to $558, due to a lower-than-expected revenue forecast for the second quarter.
—Rachyl Jones, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024
Other economists also expect that mortgage rates will ease moderately later this year, with forecasts generally calling for the average rate to remain above 6%.
—Alex Veiga, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2024
Express forecast Today: Partly sunny, light breeze.
—David Streit, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024
Wall Street forecast earnings per share of $4.26 on $8.73 billion in revenue for Netflix’s Q1 2024, according to analyst consensus data provided by LSEG, formerly Refinitiv.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024
Verb
Freeze alerts in the Midwest Portions of six states are under a freeze warning Saturday morning as temperatures are forecast to dip into the 20s.
—Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2024
Sunday is forecast for a high near 98 degrees with winds from 5 to 10 mph, before cooling to a low of 68 degrees in the evening.
—Caralin Nunes, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2024
New rain amounts are forecast between a tenth and quarter of an inch, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.
—Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2024
Last year, most economists were forecasting three market-juicing interest rate cuts in 2024, with some predicting as many as six.
—Bywill Daniel, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024
The National Weather Service in Boise forecasts a 60% chance of precipitation, with some storms capable of producing gusty winds and hail.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 12 Apr. 2024
Moderna forecasts that its respiratory franchise, which includes its COVID-19 vaccine and an upcoming RSV vaccine, will generate $4 billion in revenue this year.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 11 Apr. 2024
In an update last month, the company forecast Leqembi revenue from North and South America of around $1.3 billion — but not for another two years, from April 2026 to March 2027.
—Damian Garde, STAT, 11 Apr. 2024
According to Anton, the upward trend of positive results from U.S. tests forecasts an eventual assembly plant here in Fort Worth, which the company says, will mean the hiring of local workers.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2024
Noun
Statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements.
—Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2024
Additionally, a heat index tool, along with a forecast dedicated to determining heat risk in the Valley, can be referred to on the National Weather Service's website when gauging extreme temperatures and conditions.
—The Arizona Republic, 22 Apr. 2024
Next year’s budget will be the sixth to include money from the measure, with revenue of almost $19 million forecast for the year, well above the initial expectation of $11.7 for year six revenue.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
Its forecasts for total digital sales have also been scaled back.
—Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 21 Apr. 2024
Still, Netflix’s stock tumbled 9% on Friday after the announcement, to $558, due to a lower-than-expected revenue forecast for the second quarter.
—Rachyl Jones, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024
Other economists also expect that mortgage rates will ease moderately later this year, with forecasts generally calling for the average rate to remain above 6%.
—Alex Veiga, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2024
Express forecast Today: Partly sunny, light breeze.
—David Streit, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024
Wall Street forecast earnings per share of $4.26 on $8.73 billion in revenue for Netflix’s Q1 2024, according to analyst consensus data provided by LSEG, formerly Refinitiv.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'forecast.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forecast. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
forecast
1 of 2 verb
fore·cast
ˈfō(ə)r-ˌkast
ˈfȯ(ə)r-
forecast also forecasted; forecasting
: to calculate or predict (a future event or state) usually by study and examination of data
forecast the weather
forecaster
noun
forecast
2 of 2 noun
: an estimate or prediction of a future happening or condition
weather forecasts
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