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
There was one vague statement in the mega-deal’s closing announcement that may indicate something about Discovery+’s future. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026 Here’s a look at how the consumption and production of film and television will look in the near future. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Healthcare leaders therefore need the ability to evaluate community health data, understand reimbursement trends, forecast future demand and allocate resources responsibly. — Dr William Wertheim, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Doing so will place us in a strong position to responsibly anticipate future needs and, most importantly, assure the future well-being of our city’s residents. — Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 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
  • What tomorrow can point the way on, is whether the New Yorkers most affected get to help steer it.
    — Steven Choi, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Speaking of tomorrow, the Dodgers, Braves and the umpires will all get some relief for Game 2.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of tomorrow
Noun
  • The fate of Sierra is in the hands of 12 jurors who are tasked with deciding whether Sierra, who pleaded guilty to the murders, should be condemned to death or sentenced to life in prison.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • With the fate of the Protect College Sports Act in limbo in Congress, the NCAA will need to continue litigating lawsuits over player eligibility.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of fate
Adjective
  • Middleton’s district includes Sunrise Mall, and in the coming years, the city will attempt to guide the struggling property through an ambitious revitalization effort.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Adidas Virginia Adistar Jellyfish V2 is expected in the coming months, with several colorways set to be released throughout 2027 according to @brandon1an.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 30 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
  • Noir, by contrast, brooks no such substitutions, because its conception of authenticity cannot allow for alternative destinies.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • But antifascism remained a vital part of Americans’ self-conception, as if entering the war and winning it had always been America’s destiny.
    — Beverly Gage, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of destiny
Adjective
  • But the latest release — though unlikely to materially affect the results of the upcoming election — once again concentrates attention on Tinubu’s time in the US.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The upcoming Doha Film Festival has unveiled its 15-title competition lineup made up mostly of Middle East premieres of movies from the region, seven of which directed by women.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of upcoming
Noun
  • With 12 one-score wins in the 2024 season, the Chiefs established an NFL record with 17 straight victories in such precarious circumstances.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Kelker-Kelly reportedly had complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive, and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event, police said.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of circumstance
Adjective
  • Couples who match through the program are offered vouchers for subsequent dates, access to follow-up activities tied to festivals around Seoul, as well as an online and offline community where participants can stay connected.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
  • In this and subsequent Narnia books, Aslan leads his young followers in combating and defeating evil.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on future

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about future

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

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

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
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
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All