imminence

im·mi·nence | \ ˈi-mə-nən(t)s

How to pronounce imminence (audio)

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Definition of imminence

1 : something imminent especially : impending evil or danger

2 : the quality or state of being imminent

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about imminence

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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 There are also different circuits relating to threat imminence (anxiety, fear, panic). — Dean Mobbs, Scientific American, "On the Nature of Fear," 20 Sep. 2019 The second is that, given the imminence of the deadline, MPs do not have enough power or time to prevent no-deal—unless the government co-operates. — The Economist, "Can Parliament stop no-deal?," 8 Aug. 2019 Despite the march’s imminence, the military council’s spokesman asked for more time to comment. — Max Bearak, Washington Post, "Sudan’s protesters dodge crackdowns before ‘million march’ against military rule," 30 June 2019 The young man protests that is a statement of the obvious, but Roger insists that there is a precise moment in your life when this recognition of imminence seeps into your bones, and then cannot be shaken off ever again. — Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago-set 'Support Group for Men' a chance to laugh at our current #MeToo moment," 2 July 2018 No one knows those numbers better than Pompeo, who spent a lot of time with the CIA's Korea Mission unit, assessing the scope and imminence of its nuclear capabilities. — David E. Sanger, Anchorage Daily News, "Analysis: Koreans set the table for a deal. Will Trump be able to close it?," 28 Apr. 2018 Should children be taught of the imminence of their own death in much the same way that they are taught their ABCs? — Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, "'Three Tall Women' on Broadway: In a masterful Albee production starring Laurie Metcalf, this trio could be you," 30 Mar. 2018 Easter’s imminence brought on a new level of splendor. — Dale Hrabi, WSJ, "An Absurdly Inexpensive European Holiday: The Luxury of Krakow," 29 Mar. 2018 And as a result, census statistics will continue to roil the public discussion of diversity, by exaggerating white decline and the imminence of a majority-minority United States. — Richard Alba, Washington Post, "There’s a big problem with how the census measures race," 6 Feb. 2018

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

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Dictionary Entries near imminence

immigration pressure

Statistics for imminence

Last Updated

22 Nov 2019

Cite this Entry

“Imminence.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imminence. Accessed 8 December 2019.

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