imminent

adjective

ˈi-mə-nənt How to pronounce imminent (audio)
Definition of imminentnext
1
as in impending
giving signs of immediate occurrence a storm is imminent, so you should seek shelter now

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in upcoming
being soon to appear or take place an imminent development that should radically transform how we treat the disease

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of imminent The letter is met with snaps and giggles, as a 5-year-old Cary warns of imminent death. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Fearing another burglary was imminent, investigators moved to arrest the suspects on October 7. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 One source familiar with the strategic thinking of Mayer and Staggs says a deal to unload the company is not imminent but has been actively explored. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026 Watch for signs that a landslide may be imminent, including loose-moving soil and rocks or a sudden increase in streamflow. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imminent
  1. impending
  2. upcoming
  3. approaching
  4. coming
Adjective
  • The seat The business class cabin is low-lit in blues and purples—a nice touch for the impending red eye—and the 30 seats are arranged in 7 rows of 1-2-1 configuration.
    — Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Another impending free agent, the pitching guru oversaw one of baseball’s best rotations and that aforementioned surprisingly successful bullpen.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of impending
Adjective
  • In doing so, the report adds new data to a growing pile of information about poverty and economic hardship in the state, showing that even before some of the upcoming federal benefit cuts take effect, a growing number of households are struggling.
    — P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The state also invoked an upcoming ballot measure as a reason for the justices to refrain from intervening.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of upcoming
Adjective
  • The implications are worrying, especially when considering the fact that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are fast approaching.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The 2026 midterm elections are fast approaching, and in some states, voters are already casting ballots.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of approaching
Adjective
  • Flood expects discovery to begin in the coming months, as the lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys' fees and a jury trial.
    — Elaine Rojas-Castillo, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The county has an ample pot of uncommitted funds in coming years, however, in part because of the rapid growth of the revenue stream.
    — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of coming

Browse Nearby Words

imminences
imminent
imminently
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Cite this Entry

“Imminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imminent. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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