forecast

1 of 2

verb

fore·​cast ˈfȯr-ˌkast 

fȯr-ˈkast

forecast also forecasted; forecasting

transitive verb

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.

intransitive verb

: to calculate the future

if it turns out as I forecasted

forecastable

ˈfȯr-ˌka-stə-bəl 

adjective

forecaster noun

forecast

2 of 2

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

• augur
• call
• foretell
• predict
• presage
• prognosticate
• prophesy
• read
• vaticinate

Noun

• auguring
• augury
• bodement
• cast
• forecasting
• foretelling
• predicting
• prediction
• presaging
• prognosis
• prognostic
• prognosticating
• prognostication
• prophecy
• prophesy
• soothsaying
• vaticination

Choose the Right Synonym for forecast

foretell, predict, forecast, prophesy, prognosticate mean to tell beforehand.

foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties.

forecast snow

prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

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

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

Verb

Temperatures across the state are forecast to be colder through the weekend. —Remington Miller, arkansasonline.com, 16 Dec. 2024

Conditions are forecast to be cloudy with a high near 51 and winds of up to 5 mph. —Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 15 Dec. 2024

Noun

All three forecasts were below the long-term average for Swiss economic growth of 1.8%, and reflect the impact of a slowdown in Europe and further afield. —Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2024

While uncertainty always looms in economic forecasts, the opportunities ahead are vast—requiring adaptability, strategic thinking, and a steady focus on growth. —Frank Sorrentino, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1527, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids 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