forecast

[fawr-kast, -kahst, fohr-]

verb (used with object)

forecast, forecasted, forecasting. 

1. to predict (a future condition or occurrence); calculate in advance.

   to forecast a heavy snowfall; to forecast lower interest rates.

   Synonyms: anticipate, foretell

2. to serve as a prediction of; foreshadow.

3. to contrive or plan beforehand; prearrange.

   Synonyms: project

verb (used without object)

forecast, forecasted, forecasting. 

1. to conjecture beforehand; make a prediction.

   Synonyms: estimate, guess

2. to plan or arrange beforehand.

noun

1. a prediction, especially as to the weather.

2. a conjecture as to something in the future.

   Synonyms: estimate, guess

3. the act, practice, or faculty of forecasting.

4. Archaic.,  foresight in planning.

   Synonyms: prescience, forethought

forecast

/ ˈfɔːˌkɑːst /

verb

1. to predict or calculate (weather, events, etc), in advance

2. (tr) to serve as an early indication of

3. (tr) to plan in advance

noun

1. a statement of probable future weather conditions calculated from meteorological data

2. a prophecy or prediction

3. the practice or power of forecasting

Other Word Forms

• forecaster noun
• forecastable adjective
• reforecast verb (used with object) reforecast, reforecasted, reforecasting
• unforecast adjective
• unforecasted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forecast¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English (verb) “to plan ahead of time”; fore-, cast ( def. )

Synonym Study

See predict.

Example Sentences

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration continues to forecast an above-normal season, although so far it has been slightly below average and no storms have yet made US landfall.

Read more on Barron's

Gains have left Vertiv shares trading for about 35 times estimated next year’s forecasted earnings, similar to a year ago.

Read more on Barron's

Analysts at the firm forecast 2% total revenue growth in the September-ended quarter, largely in line with consensus and the firm’s previous estimates.

Read more on Barron's

Third, the banks themselves forecast healthy net interest margins going forward, thanks in part to ongoing rate cuts by the Fed.

Read more on MarketWatch

By July, a clearer picture had developed, with demand from consumers and businesses stabilizing, prompting the company to restore guidance, albeit at lower levels than it had initially forecast.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• anticipate 
• augur 
• calculate 
• conclude 
• determine 
• estimate 
• foresee 
• foretell 
• gauge 
• portend