Key Difference: The terms forthcoming and upcoming are synonymous for the most part. However, the term ‘forthcoming’ has a more broad range of definitions than ‘upcoming.’ In short, forthcoming means to bring forth or come forth, whereas upcoming means something that is coming up.

The terms forthcoming and upcoming are often confused. This is mainly due to the fact that these terms are synonymous for the most part. However, the term ‘forthcoming’ has a more broad range of definitions than ‘upcoming.’

The term ‘upcoming’ refers to something that is happening or appearing soon. It describes an event that is coming up, i.e. going to happen soon. For example: I need to shop for the upcoming party.

Similarly, the term ‘forthcoming’ can also be used here. For example: I need to shop for the forthcoming party. Here the term means the same as upcoming, which is the party that is coming up. However, the term ‘forthcoming’ has more than one definition.

In addition to the previous meaning, the term ‘forthcoming’ can also mean responsive or outgoing, for example: John was very forthcoming and courteous. It can also mean something negative, such as, John was very forthcoming assuming that I wanted to dance.

Moreover, ‘forthcoming’ can also mean candidness, openness, and being truthful. For example, Mary was not forthcoming about her part in the accident. Here Mary is not being truthful about her part in the accident; she is deliberately staying quiet and not owning up to her fault.

In short, forthcoming means to bring forth or come forth, whereas upcoming means something that is coming up.

Comparison between Forthcoming and Upcoming:

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