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

as in prediction

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

But stronger-than-expected Big Tech earnings have also reinforced expectations for AI infrastructure spending and helped underpin upward revisions to growth forecasts for Korean hardware companies. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026 Check forecasts and look for periods of high pressure with stable weather and calm winds. — Damian Peach, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Verb

Then slow weakening is forecast as the storm moves over cooler waters and encounters dry air and wind shear. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 Already 2026 was forecast to have lower-than-average storm generation, and that has been reduced even further with the latest forecasts from the NOAA and other weather groups. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forecast

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forecast

Noun

Demand planning capabilities on the Blue Yonder Platform utilize patented algorithms and advanced machine learning models to ensure that demand forecasting is not only highly accurate, but reliable.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026
That is a forecasting problem, and attribution is most of the answer, because nothing can be forecast that cannot be seen by business unit.

— Sanjay Srivastava, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of forecasting

Verb

Everyone predicted the scoreline of each of the 10 Premier League matches each gameweek, with points awarded for correct guesses and a league table kept track of who was leading.

— The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Kelly predicted that payrolls should grow 50,000 to 100,000 per month going forward — but July’s poor report and downward revision for earlier months call that into question.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of predict

Noun

The group’s predictions are nightmarish and agonizing to even contemplate.

— Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Jason Trost Smarkets founder The first choice, though, would be for Smarkets to run as a prediction markets exchange regulated under the CFTC, Trost said.

— Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of prediction

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forebodings

forecast

forecaster

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“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forecast. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of forecast

noun

verb

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Synonyms of forecast

noun

verb

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'Broadcast' or 'Broadcasted'?

Cite this Entry

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