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
For those on the Gulf Coast, Tate recommends staying up to date on hurricane forecasts, getting prepared with food and supplies in the case of a power outage and following any local evacuation orders. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026 The high bands describe stronger observed listings, not a default forecast. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
And be sure to stay hydrated — Sacramento’s afternoon highs are forecast to be in the 90s. — Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena are forecast to reach 100 degrees, while Paso Robles could reach 101 degrees and Ojai 102 degrees. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forecast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Noun
  • The latest project will test whether the forecasting gains seen during the initial trial can be maintained as the technology moves from a limited dataset to hundreds of real-world household energy systems.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
  • When the event is death or violence, forecasting is readily perceived as not only monetizing harm but possibly even incentivizing it.
    — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Rather than trying to predict future tax law changes, the firm works within the current code.
    — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Brazil’s polling agency Datafolha predicted around 11% of people were undecided ahead of the first round.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Though these predictions exist weeks ahead of events, their impact on preparedness is nebulous.
    — Vibhu Krishna, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
  • From the time of Bitcoin’s 2009 launch, crypto had occupied the murkier end of legal gray zones; in the eyes of CFTC regulators, crypto prediction markets, which inherited the moral and legal residue of gambling prohibition, were doubly marked.
    — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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