forecast 1 of 2

forecast

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verb

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 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
Brutal cold is also in the forecast for Sunday’s Ravens and Bills matchup in Orchard Park, New York. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025 However, the core rate that excludes the volatile food and energy sectors, rose 3.2%, a touch less than forecasts for a 3.3% gain. Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
Eowyn was expected to clear into the Norwegian Sea on Saturday, allowing a brief lull of drier and calmer conditions, but another storm system is forecast to bring similar hazards for Britain on Sunday and Monday. Claire Moses, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025 In-Game Advertising Is Evolving Finally, in-game programmatic advertising is also forecasted to be among the key marketing elements in the coming year. Roman Vrublivskyi, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for forecast 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast
Verb
  • All three investors predict that crude oil prices will rise this time around.
    Lisa Kailai Han,Gabriel Cortés, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2025
  • For decades, theorists favored this mass range because several simple extensions of the Standard Model of particle physics predicted the existence of such particles.
    Paul Sutter, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Consequently, there is still time to prevent my bleak prediction for 2025 from being realized.
    Harvey Whitehouse, WIRED, 23 Jan. 2025
  • See more of our Oscar nominations predictions here.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The clergy could expect the fulfillment of prophecy, and the poor and the oppressed could look forward to absolution and better living quarters.
    Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
  • In Greek mythology, Apollo was the god of prophecy and oracles, music, song and poetry, archery, healing, plague and disease and more.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near forecast

Cite this Entry

“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on forecast

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