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
Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Management forecasts $30–$35 billion in revenue for 2025; my projection of $33 billion indicates a 12-month enterprise value growth of nearly 20%.
—Gurufocus, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Hogan Gore, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Key Background Nvidia stock’s downward swing followed what’s known as a triple earnings beat, in which the company easily exceeded consensus analyst forecasts for its third-quarter profit and revenue and raised its guidance for the fourth quarter.
—Derek Saul, Forbes, 21 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
Milton is forecast to make landfall in Florida Wednesday night, according to the NHC.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Management forecasts $30–$35 billion in revenue for 2025; my projection of $33 billion indicates a 12-month enterprise value growth of nearly 20%.
—Gurufocus, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
Freezing weather Wednesday morning is expected to give way to warmer conditions over the next several days, but a cold front forecast to roll through Central Texas later in the week will again plummet temperatures to near freezing.
—Hogan Gore, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Key Background Nvidia stock’s downward swing followed what’s known as a triple earnings beat, in which the company easily exceeded consensus analyst forecasts for its third-quarter profit and revenue and raised its guidance for the fourth quarter.
—Derek Saul, Forbes, 21 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 29 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