Another Word for Future: 18 Synonyms with Examples
The future is the time still to come, or what will happen to someone or something; as an adjective it means coming later. Swap it to sound more formal or to stress prospects.
As a noun: time still to come
- time to come
- tomorrow
- the years ahead
- hereafter
- the coming years
As a noun: what is likely to happen
- prospects
- outlook
- destiny
- fate
- chances
- expectations
As an adjective: coming later
- coming
- forthcoming
- upcoming
- later
- subsequent
- prospective
- eventual
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- tomorrow
- Used poetically for the future in general: "the world of tomorrow".
- prospects
- The chances of future success, especially in work.
- outlook
- What seems likely to happen, as in weather or economic forecasts.
- destiny
- A future that seems already decided; dramatic.
- upcoming
- Happening soon.
- prospective
- Expected or likely to become something: "prospective students".
Example sentences
- tomorrow: The exhibition imagines the cities of tomorrow.
- prospects: A degree can improve your job prospects.
- outlook: The outlook for the economy is uncertain.
- destiny: She felt that running the family farm was her destiny.
- upcoming: Tickets for the upcoming tour go on sale on Friday.
- prospective: The open day is for prospective students and their parents.
Opposite of future
- past
- history
- present
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “future”. Check the meaning before you use one.
adjective: next, succeeding
noun: futurity
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “future”?
The most useful alternatives are “time to come”, “tomorrow”, “the years ahead”, “hereafter”, “the coming years”. For the main sense (time still to come), “time to come” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “tomorrow” and “prospects”?
tomorrow: Used poetically for the future in general: "the world of tomorrow". prospects: The chances of future success, especially in work.
What is the opposite of “future”?
Common antonyms are “past”, “history”, “present”.