oncoming

adjective

on·​com·​ing ˈȯn-ˌkə-miŋ How to pronounce oncoming (audio)
ˈän-
Synonyms of oncomingnext
1
a
: coming nearer in time or space
the oncoming year
oncoming traffic
an oncoming car
b
: future
looked forward to his oncoming visit
2
: emergent, rising
the oncoming generation

Examples of oncoming in a Sentence

we're looking forward to your oncoming visit
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The accident occurred as one of the ATVs spotted an oncoming car and slowed down. Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026 His primary focus was a woman who still appeared to be trapped inside the 2008 Volkswagen Golf that had just swerved into oncoming traffic and collided with a box truck. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 June 2026 In Lincoln Park last week, pool chairs were seen flying off a high-rise pool deck into oncoming traffic on Clark Street. Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 18 June 2026 National Railways of Zimbabwe spokesperson Andrew Kanambura said in a statement the bus driver failed to stop and check for oncoming trains before crossing the tracks, violating railway safety regulations. ABC News, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for oncoming

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of oncoming was in 1844

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Cite this Entry

“Oncoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oncoming. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

oncoming

adjective
on·​com·​ing ˈȯn-ˌkəm-iŋ How to pronounce oncoming (audio)
ˈän-
: coming nearer
oncoming traffic

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