future 1 of 2

noun

Definition of futurenext
1
as in tomorrow
time that is to come in the future, there may be medical discoveries that are beyond our fondest dreams

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fate
what is going to happen to someone in the time ahead with such a strong academic record, his future looks bright

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

future

2 of 2

adjective

ˈfyü-chər How to pronounce future (audio)
as in coming
of a time after the present we must preserve our national parks in all their glory so that future generations can experience the majesty of nature

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 future
Noun
There was one vague statement in the mega-deal’s closing announcement that may indicate something about Discovery+’s future. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026 Here’s a look at how the consumption and production of film and television will look in the near future. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Rather than trying to predict future tax law changes, the firm works within the current code. — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 Even if school funding keeps growing, future increases may go to other state priorities, with no guarantee of additional discretionary grants, Kapphahn added. — Chaewon Chung updated October 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for future
Recent Examples of Synonyms for future
  1. tomorrow
  2. fate
  3. coming
  4. futurity
  5. destiny
  6. upcoming
  7. circumstance
  8. subsequent
Noun
  • Simon is expected to make landfall early tomorrow, bringing heavy rain, destructive waves and potentially life-threatening flooding and mudslides, according to the National Hurricane Center.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Shop today, and deal with your bank account’s arguments tomorrow.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of tomorrow
Noun
  • Told in the course of four decades, and alternating between the perspectives of the couple’s colleagues and children, friends and lovers, Orringer’s novel examines justice, truth, fate, and freedom.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Some investors are wondering whether Italy could face a similar fate as the country considers widening its budget deficit.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of fate
Adjective
  • The county has an ample pot of uncommitted funds in coming years, however, in part because of the rapid growth of the revenue stream.
    — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • And lunar traffic is poised to increase greatly in the coming years, as both the United States and China aim to build bases near the moon's south pole.
    — Leonard David, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of coming
Noun
  • Established in 2023, the biennial prize is given in recognition of next-gen multidisciplinary artists working at the intersection of art, media, and technology to explore notions of futurity and transformation.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 4 Nov. 2025
  • This reading list offers resources for engaging with Indigenous thought, resistance, and futurity.
    — JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 11 Oct. 2025
Definition of futurity
Noun
  • Thus, although Sanjak the spy might have been portrayed as an evil agent, many readers cheered this original, unapologetic character who took control of her destiny and challenged traditional gender norms.
    — Gaby Iori October 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Noir, by contrast, brooks no such substitutions, because its conception of authenticity cannot allow for alternative destinies.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of destiny
Adjective
  • But the latest release — though unlikely to materially affect the results of the upcoming election — once again concentrates attention on Tinubu’s time in the US.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The upcoming Doha Film Festival has unveiled its 15-title competition lineup made up mostly of Middle East premieres of movies from the region, seven of which directed by women.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of upcoming
Noun
  • The circumstances and cultural details may vary, but these unequal power dynamics between families and their domestic workers exist everywhere, to different degrees.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Such experiments have tended to thrive in contexts where landline-telephone use was impossible, for reasons of cost, infrastructure, or circumstance.
    — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of circumstance
Adjective
  • On Friday, the former castmember took to Instagram to share some of her feelings about Season 11 and the subsequent fallout.
    — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The danger of a concentrated portfolio is that steep losses could prompt investors to panic, sell their holdings and retreat to cash, potentially missing a subsequent recovery .
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of subsequent

Browse Nearby Words

futons
future
futureless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Future.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/future. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on future

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about future

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of deportment

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All