forecast 1 of 2

noun

ˈfȯr-ˌkast How to pronounce forecast (audio)
Definition of forecastnext
as in forecasting
a declaration that something will happen in the future want to catch the weather forecast so I'll know what kind of clothes to pack for the trip tomorrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

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forecast

2 of 2

verb

ˈfȯr-ˌkast How to pronounce forecast (audio)
as in to predict
to tell of or describe beforehand the station's meteorologist forecasts sun for the next five days

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Tuesday’s weather forecast sees sunny and clear skies, with a high of 84 degrees. —Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 27 May 2025 For more specific forecasts, the agency recommends checking its interactive maps for localized details. —Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 26 May 2025
Verb
More snow and nighttime freezes are forecast over the weekend at high elevations. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 24 May 2025 Rajadhyaksha had previously forecasted 14-17% average tariffs on U.S. imports. —Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
  1. predict
  2. prediction
  3. prophecy
Verb
  • Something like our turbulence prediction module might someday be inserted into bigger climate models that can do better at predicting things like hurricanes.
    — Steve Nadis, Wired News, 1 June 2025
  • Spinrad visited Southern California in late May and was taken aback by the number of people raising concern over the agency’s ability to continue predicting atmospheric river events, with all of their implications on public safety, reservoir operations and hydro power.
    — Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
Definition of predict
Noun
  • How a police chief became a midcentury furniture pro. 2025 Emmy predictions: best comedy series, best comedy actress, and best comedy actor.
    — Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
  • Many of those lost have been specialists in weather forecasting, storm response and resilience, among other skills involved in hurricane preparation, prediction and recovery.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Definition of prediction
Noun
  • But against the odds, his second-season prophecy had come true.
    — Elias Burke, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • Machar has long regarded himself as destined for the presidency, citing a prophecy years ago by a seer from his ethnic group.
    — Cara Anna, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Definition of prophecy

Browse Nearby Words

forebodings
forecast
forecaster
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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