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

• 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

Those of us with long memories can remember Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talking about the imminence of an Iranian nuclear bomb as far back as 1996. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025

Sometimes the pas de deux between light showbiz dramedy and weightier themes, from the existential threats facing the arts community to the imminence of extinction-level environmental catastrophes, can feel disproportionate. —Judy Berman, Time, 23 Apr. 2025

That is the reason the apparent imminence of his death is so consequential. —Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025

The apparent shift in Washington reflects public opinion that has been more willing to entertain the possibility of AGI’s imminence. —Daniel Colson, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024

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