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

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 forecast

Noun

City dwellers could see anywhere between 3 and 5 inches of snow, with totals potentially topping 7 inches in the Hudson Valley region, before Sunday comes to an end, according to the National Weather Service’s latest forecast. —

Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2025 The league’s Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles won’t face anything like that punishment during this Sunday’s Super Bowl, which will take place in New Orleans, where the forecast high for game day is 75°F. —

Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025

Verb

Outlook For 2025, Linde forecasted adjusted earnings per share in the range of $16.15 to $16.55, representing an increase of 4% to 7% over 2024’s level. —

CNBC, 6 Feb. 2025 Adjusted net income is now forecast at a range of $193 to $196 million, down from prior estimate of $205 million to $208 million. —

Kathryn Hopkins, WWD, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for forecast

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast

Verb

That’s the part that’s really difficult to predict and build into an analysis.

— Megan Poinski, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2025
Fundamental research in the biology of branching helps cure cardiovascular diseases and cancer, design materials that can heal themselves and predict how trees will respond to a changing climate.

— Mitchell Newberry, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025