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 Mills’ most imminent threat is from other Republicans, namely former Fox35 anchor Ryan Elijah, who entered the race in May. — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026 Getty Images There is a cottage industry devoted to predicting the imminent death of the American consumer, and business has never been better. — Nigel Morris, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 As such, the casino company contends hitting the brakes on the hotel and nongaming construction is covered by the host agreement that the city itself may be violating with the potential imminent launch of VGTs. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 Allison Joyce | Bloomberg | Getty Images A key inflation reading Wednesday showed prices moderating across a range of goods and services, possibly taking the urgency out of an imminent interest rate hike. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imminent
  1. impending
  2. upcoming
  3. approaching
  4. coming
Adjective
  • Scientists would also expect an impending volcanic eruption to produce warning signs.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Local fisherman Wyck Crawford, played by a delightfully rascally Stephen Root, serves as Loftis’ human antagonist, warning the mayor of impending doom.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of impending
Adjective
  • The San Antonio Spurs’ schedule for the upcoming season includes games in France and England, with a league-high 34 appearances on national TV.
    — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The musician gave an update on her upcoming album — and opened up about a startling 2019 health scare.
    — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of upcoming
Adjective
  • Fall is fast approaching, but the Red Sox look like their spring selves again in the worst way.
    — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 12 Aug. 2026
  • While the deadline is fast approaching, Montour keeps working away.
    — Christine Haughney Dare-Bryan, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of approaching
Adjective
  • And experts think such incidents could become increasingly common in the coming years, as exploration of the moon intensifies.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Bank of America, for example, is still calling for three rate increases in coming months.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Aug. 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imminent

Nglish: Translation of imminent for Spanish Speakers

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