Definitions

imminent

[im-uh-nuhnt] / ˈɪm ə nənt /

ADJECTIVE

at hand, on the way

Synonyms

STRONGEST

forthcoming immediate impending inevitable likely looming possible probable unavoidable

WEAK

about to happen approaching brewing close coming expectant fast-approaching following gathering in store in the air in the cards in the offing in the wind in view ineluctable inescapable inevasible menacing near nearing next nigh on its way on the horizon on the verge overhanging see it coming threatening to come unescapable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

avoidable distant escapable later never unlikely

WEAK

doubtful far future

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The answer was no, but it raised other imminent estate-planning questions.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

LyondellBassell’s spiked above 100% in late 2024, before the company started posting quarterly losses in 2025, sparking widespread concern a cut was imminent.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

The Israeli military maintains that the agreement permits it to act against "planned, imminent or ongoing attacks".

From BBC • May 4, 2026

“Both officers expressed their fear of the imminent threat that they believe this victim posed to them, based on the knife and his prior actions.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

Although the press in South Africa and around the world had been speculating for weeks that my release was imminent, Mr. de Klerk’s announcement nevertheless came as a surprise to me.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary lists containing imminent

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 2

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Othello

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ACT Vocabulary List

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