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 attacks sent crude prices surging more than five percent as hopes dimmed on any imminent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Gov Abbott issued a proclamation declaring a state of disaster on Friday, which states the outbreak presents "an imminent threat or occurrence of widespread danger and injury to the Texas agricultural industry".

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

Partly, that’s because flagging U.S. new-car sales show no imminent sign of rebounding.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Outwardly, she shows no signs of being devastated by her dad’s imminent passing, happily playing with him, almost in denial of his fate.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

But if there had been any paleontologists living 67 million years ago, they could not have predicted the dinosaurs’ imminent demise, because asteroids belong to a field of science otherwise remote from dinosaur biology.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Vocabulary lists containing imminent

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