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 proverbial wheels of justice grind at an almost unbelievably rusty pace, leaving Nick facing the prospect of imminent death for 22 years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Several media outlets - across golf, sports news and finance - reported its imminent closure, before LIV chief executive Scott O'Neil insisted it was business as usual in a tubthumping email to staff.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

“Our analysis supports our favorable outlook and didn’t imply imminent credit risk,” Burdis wrote.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

LAHSA’s Madigan said a physical altercation, such as the one Ponce described, shouldn’t automatically result in removal, because it might not present an imminent risk to the safety of residents or staff.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

She looked around at the signs of our imminent departure.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez

Vocabulary lists containing imminent

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