imminence

noun

im·​mi·​nence ˈi-mə-nən(t)s 

1

: something imminent

especially : impending evil or danger

2

: the quality or state of being imminent

Synonyms of imminence

• threat
• danger

Examples of imminence in a Sentence

since the end of the Cold War, nuclear annihilation has seemed to be a less likely imminence

Recent Examples on the Web

Being present at an Argentina game in Kansas City, Miami, Atlanta and New York was to feel the imminence of Messi’s absence on this stage. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 July 2026

The imminence of an execution can prompt witnesses who have remained silent for years to speak. — Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 30 June 2026

Set the scene Jet lag is setting in from the long flight to Tanzania, but the imminence of safari keeps the adrenaline pumping. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Other state officials became resigned to the seeming imminence of a Polis commutation. — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin imminentia, noun derivative from Latin imminent-, imminens, present participle of imminēre "to project so as to overhang (of a structure or natural feature), be intent, impend (of something unpleasant or dangerous), threaten" — more at imminent

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for imminence

• immanence

Kids Definition

imminence

noun

im·​mi·​nence ˈim-ə-nən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being imminent