oncoming

adjective

on·​com·​ing ˈȯn-ˌkə-miŋ 

ˈän-

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

Synonyms of oncoming

• upcoming
• approaching
• impending
• coming

Examples of oncoming in a Sentence

we're looking forward to your oncoming visit

Recent Examples on the Web

Glare from oncoming headlights can make conditions worse, particularly for older drivers and those with vision limitations. — Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 23 July 2026

The rule gets rid of drivers needing to stick out their necks to check for oncoming cars and eliminates the need for drivers to inch blindly forward around a curve. — Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026

In the days before his Ford Bronco drifted into the path of an oncoming semi-truck, Matt Miller was settling debts. — Alex Andrejev, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Their rideshare, a Buick, was suddenly rammed by an oncoming car. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for oncoming

• becoming
• forthcoming
• homecoming
• incoming
• shortcoming
• succumbing
• upcoming
• coming
• cumming
• drumming
• gumming
• humming

Kids Definition

oncoming

adjective

on·​com·​ing ˈȯn-ˌkəm-iŋ 

ˈän-

: coming nearer

oncoming traffic