fore·cast
ˈfȯr-ˌkast 
fȯr-ˈkast
forecast also forecasted; forecasting
1
a
: to calculate or predict (some future event or condition) usually as a result of study and analysis of available pertinent data
The company is forecasting reduced profits.
especially
: to predict (weather conditions) on the basis of correlated meteorological (see meteorology sense 1) observations
They're forecasting rain for this weekend.
b
: to indicate as likely to occur
Optimists are forecasting an immediate upswing in business.
2
: to serve as a forecast of : presage
Such events may forecast peace.
: to calculate the future
if it turns out as I forecasted
forecaster
noun
fore·cast
ˈfȯr-ˌkast
1
: a prophecy, estimate, or prediction of a future happening or condition
2
archaic
: foresight of consequences and provision against them : forethought
Synonyms
Verb
Noun
Examples of forecast in a Sentence
Verb
They're forecasting rain for this weekend.
The company is forecasting reduced profits.
Experts forecast that the economy will slow in the coming months.
Noun
want to catch the weather forecast so I'll know what kind of clothes to pack for the trip tomorrow
Recent Examples on the Web
Bruce Finley, The Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2024
With location intelligence, predictive maintenance in utilities can be used to forecast equipment failures by determining geographic patterns of degradation or failure.
—Narendra Babu Vattem, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Newsweek has rounded up what the latest polls and forecasts say about both candidates' chances of winning the White House here.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for forecast 
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.
Verb
The National Weather Service forecasted an extreme impact storm on Friday and into Saturday across south-central and southeastern Colorado with heavy, wet snow and high winds expected.
—Bruce Finley, The Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2024
With location intelligence, predictive maintenance in utilities can be used to forecast equipment failures by determining geographic patterns of degradation or failure.
—Narendra Babu Vattem, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
Although the red flag warnings do not determine if a PSPS event may occur, some factors that the company reviews includes: low humidity levels, a forecast of high winds and the condition of dry material on the ground and low moisture content of vegetation.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Newsweek has rounded up what the latest polls and forecasts say about both candidates' chances of winning the White House here.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for forecast
Articles Related to forecast
Dictionary Entries Near forecast
Cite this Entry
“Forecast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forecast. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
forecast
1 of 2 verb
fore·cast
ˈfō(ə)r-ˌkast
ˈfȯ(ə)r-
forecast also forecasted; forecasting
: to calculate or predict (a future event or state) usually by study and examination of data
forecast the weather
forecaster
noun
forecast
2 of 2 noun
: an estimate or prediction of a future happening or condition
weather forecasts
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share