Future — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈfyü-chər/ fu·ture

Meaning & Definition of Future

Future (adjective)

  1. existing or occurring at a later time
  2. that is to be; specifically, existing after death
  3. of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense expressive of time yet to come

Future (noun)

  1. time that is to come
  2. what is going to happen
  3. an expectation of advancement or progressive development

Future (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. time that is to come

    "in the future, there may be medical discoveries that are beyond our fondest dreams"

    similar: by-and-by, futurity, hereafter, offing, tomorrow
    related: eventuality, finality, posterity
    opposite: past
    near: yesterday, yesteryear, antiquity, old, yore, moment, now, present, today

  2. what is going to happen to someone in the time ahead

    "with such a strong academic record, his future looks bright"

    similar: fortune
    related: circumstance, destiny, doom, fate, hap, kismet, lot, portion, futurities, outlook, prospect
    opposite: past
    near: present

Future (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: coming, unborn
    related: approaching, forthcoming, imminent, impending, nearing, oncoming, pending, upcoming, after, ensuing, later, posterior, subsequent, anticipated, awaited, expected, planned, predicted, projected, prospective, eventual, final, last, ulterior, ultimate
    opposite: bygone, past
    near: ancient, olden, antecedent, anterior, precedent, preceding, previous, prior

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Future

The most common words with a similar meaning to Future:

by-and-by, futurity, hereafter, offing, tomorrow, fortune, coming, unborn

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Future

Words with the opposite meaning of Future:

past, bygone

Related Words for Future

eventuality, finality, posterity, circumstance, destiny, doom, fate, hap, kismet, lot, portion, futurities, outlook, prospect, approaching, forthcoming, imminent, impending, nearing, oncoming, pending, upcoming, after, ensuing, later, posterior, subsequent, anticipated, awaited, expected

Near Antonyms of Future

yesterday, yesteryear, antiquity, old, yore, moment, now, present, today, ancient, olden, antecedent, anterior, precedent, preceding, previous, prior

Origin & Etymology of Future

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin futurus about to be be

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Future

Words & Phrases Containing Future

future perfect, future shock, future tense, wave of the future, for future reference, in/for the foreseeable future, in future, in the not too distant future

Frequently Asked Questions about Future

What does "Future" mean?

"Future" means existing or occurring at a later time. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: existing or occurring at a later time. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Future"?

Other words for "Future" include by-and-by, futurity, hereafter, offing, tomorrow, fortune, coming and unborn. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Future" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Future"?

There are 47 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Future". Common alternatives include by-and-by, futurity, hereafter, offing, tomorrow, fortune, coming and unborn.

What is the opposite of "Future"?

Antonyms of "Future" include past and bygone. Near antonyms include yesterday, yesteryear, antiquity and old.

How do you use "Future" in a sentence?

Examples of "Future" in a sentence: "in the future, there may be medical discoveries that are beyond our fondest dreams"; "with such a strong academic record, his future looks bright"; "we must preserve our national parks in all their glory so that future generations can experience the majesty of nature".

Is "Future" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Future" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Future" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Future" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Future"?

"Future" is pronounced /ˈfyü-chər/ and divided into syllables as fu·ture.