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

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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 Elite American paratroopers would make an imminent Allied invasion utterly believable. — Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026 People living near the frontlines have faced constant bombardments and the imminent threat of occupation, whereas those in the rear can, at times, tune out the conflict. — Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026 After the simulation, identify one imminent cross-functional decision. — Samuel Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 Deadline also revealed last week that channel closures are imminent, with insiders expecting BBC Three to be moved online for a second time in a decade. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imminent
  1. impending
  2. upcoming
  3. approaching
  4. coming
Adjective
  • Aubrey Layne, Sentara’s chief administrative officer, said lower payment rates from government programs — and impending cuts to Medicaid — are forcing the hospital to play hardball with the insurers that are representing employers.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The film is a satire about an impending climate change apocalypse that’s triggered by the drilling operations of oil tycoon Digger Rockwell, played by Cruise, who looks nearly unrecognizable clad in prosthetics and graying hair.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of impending
Adjective
  • But the latest release — though unlikely to materially affect the results of the upcoming election — once again concentrates attention on Tinubu’s time in the US.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The upcoming Doha Film Festival has unveiled its 15-title competition lineup made up mostly of Middle East premieres of movies from the region, seven of which directed by women.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of upcoming
Adjective
  • The 2026 midterm elections are fast approaching, and in some states, voters are already casting ballots.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Election day in South Dakota is fast approaching, and several important statewide offices will be on your ballots.
    — Gabriel Brito, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of approaching
Adjective
  • Middleton’s district includes Sunrise Mall, and in the coming years, the city will attempt to guide the struggling property through an ambitious revitalization effort.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Adidas Virginia Adistar Jellyfish V2 is expected in the coming months, with several colorways set to be released throughout 2027 according to @brandon1an.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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