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

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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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These final forecasts come after a handful of uplifting polls and some positive news cycles for Harris in the waning days of the 2024 cycle. —

Jared Gans, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 Follow my page for the latest Northern Lights forecasts. —

Jamie Carter, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Verb

Retirees would also be facing a bigger benefit cut, up to 33% of their monthly checks rather than the 23% currently forecast, when the trust fund is exhausted, the group estimates. —

Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024 Hims & Hers also forecast rosy full-year and current-quarter revenue guidance. —

Brian Evans, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for forecast

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast

Verb

During Trump's first presidential run in 2016, 538 predicted on Election Day that his Democratic opponent former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had a 77 percent chance of winning Pennsylvania as opposed to Trump's 23 percent chance.

David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
If Trump loses, Robinson predicts unrest on the right.

Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024