Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

immanent

adjective
im·​ma·​nent | \ ˈi-mə-nənt \

Definition of immanent

1 : indwelling, inherent beauty is not something imposed but something immanent— Anthony Burgess
2 : being within the limits of possible experience or knowledge — compare transcendent
Other Words from immanent Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about immanent

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from immanent

immanently adverb

Examples of immanent in a Sentence

a question as to whether altruism is immanent in all individuals or is instead acquired from without

Recent Examples on the Web

 Robinson’s fiction also exposes the vexed terms of our devotion to the wonders of the immanent world. — Leslie Jamison, The Atlantic, "The Power of Grace," 17 Sep. 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'immanent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of immanent

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for immanent

Late Latin immanent-, immanens, present participle of immanēre to remain in place, from Latin in- + manēre to remain — more at mansion

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about immanent

Statistics for immanent

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for immanent

The first known use of immanent was in 1535

See more words from the same year

More from Merriam-Webster on immanent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for immanent

Britannica English: Translation of immanent for Arabic Speakers

Comments on immanent

What made you want to look up immanent? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

gibbous

irregularly rounded

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

What did you just call me?! A Quiz

  • rows-of-various-emoji
  • If a member of the audience describes your speech as bombastic, does that person mean it is:
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games