FORECAST Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

forecast 1 of 2

noun

ˈfȯr-ˌkast

Definition of forecast next

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

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

Examples of forecast in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Then the predictions go to a meteorologist who refines the forecast for a specific area. —

Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 Whether the state can deliver on that optimistic forecast remains to be seen. —

Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2024

Verb

This is where predictive analytics comes in, combining internal and external data to forecast trends and drive improvements, much like how Google Ads optimizes performance in real time. —

Amit Chaudhary, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 The Fed also hinted at the potential for additional cuts in coming months, revealing a more aggressive trajectory to take action that might be good news for borrowers than forecasted in June. —

Benzinga, Detroit Free Press, 21 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for forecast

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.