overcast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overcast" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe weather conditions when the sky is covered with clouds, resulting in a lack of sunlight. Example: "The forecast predicts an overcast day with a chance of rain in the afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On an overcast day at the end of October, I clambered into Murphy's battered Mitsubishi pickup for a tour of the Forest of Bowland where Hope and Sky had vanished.

The Guardian

It's grey, overcast and positively thunderous out in Mirpur today, so we may not get an uninterrupted day of cricket, but fingers crossed.

The Guardian - Sport

On a chilly, damp and overcast morning in late November 2013, Alex Salmond made the yes campaign's most important announcement before the final countdown to the referendum the following summer.

The Guardian

"If it's overcast – and the forecast is for some possible light showers or drizzly rain – you may well bowl.

The Guardian - Sport

You've seen here in the past when it's overcast and cloudy the ball does move around a bit".

The Guardian - Sport

The overcast weather, though initially disappointing, would prove to be a boon.

The Guardian - Travel

Guardi's skies have clouds and sometimes they are overcast.

The Economist

EVEN on an overcast day, the view from Jeffrey Romoff's office is spectacular.

The Economist

A second group lived in conditions akin to their natural habitat, with 16 hours of overcast day-like light, followed by eight hours of darkness.

The Economist

Poor rainfall has affected sowing in West Bengal, Orissa and the northern states of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab Source: REUTERS Cracked paddy-fields on the outskirts of Jammu Source: AP A farmer checking the overcast sky.

The Economist

Some were kept in cages lit constantly, so as to resemble a never-ending overcast day.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overcast" to precisely describe a sky completely covered by clouds, resulting in diffused light. It's more specific than "cloudy".

Common error

Don't use "overcast" when the sky is only partially covered by clouds. "Cloudy" is more appropriate for skies with scattered clouds, while "overcast" implies complete cloud cover.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "overcast" primarily functions as a descriptor, specifying the state of the sky as covered with clouds. As Ludwig AI says, this term is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it modifies nouns like "day", "sky", or "conditions".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overcast" is a common adjective used to describe a sky completely covered with clouds, blocking direct sunlight. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news reports and encyclopedic entries, the term is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While similar to "cloudy", it's more precise, indicating a complete cloud cover. When writing, ensure "overcast" is used when the sky is entirely covered by clouds and not partially so, to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cloudy

Describes a sky covered with clouds, similar to overcast but can imply varying degrees of cloudiness.

grey skies

Focuses on the color of the sky due to cloud cover, emphasizing the lack of brightness.

cloud-covered

Emphasizes the presence of clouds covering the sky.

dull skies

Highlights the lack of brightness and vibrancy in the sky.

gloomy weather

Indicates a general atmosphere of darkness and dreariness, often associated with overcast conditions.

sunless skies

Directly states the absence of sunlight, which is a key characteristic of an overcast day.

obscured sun

Refers to the sun being hidden by clouds, leading to overcast conditions.

covered in clouds

Describes the sky's condition when it is completely filled with clouds.

murky sky

Implies a dark and heavy atmosphere, often due to thick cloud cover.

heavy cloud cover

Focuses on the density of the clouds, suggesting a thick layer blocking the sun.

FAQs

How can I use "overcast" in a sentence?

You can use "overcast" to describe the sky's condition, such as "The sky was "overcast" this morning" or "It was an "overcast" day with no sunshine".

What words are similar to "overcast"?

Similar words include "cloudy", "grey skies", and "cloud-covered". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the weather is overcast"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable. You can also say "the sky is "overcast"" or "it's an "overcast" day".

What's the difference between "cloudy" and "overcast"?

"Cloudy" refers to a sky with clouds, while "overcast" specifically means the sky is completely covered with clouds, blocking direct sunlight. Thus, "overcast" is a specific type of cloudy.