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 The new findings contradict those of a senior official’s recent comments explaining that the bureau had no information to indicate the imminence of damage, injuries and death at a pro-Trump protest near the White House. — Stephanie Toone, ajc, "Report: FBI warned of ‘violence,’ ‘war’ ahead of riots that killed 5 at Capitol," 12 Jan. 2021 Some aides also questioned the imminence of any attack by Iran or its proxies, an assessment reported earlier by CNN. — New York Times, "In Abrupt Reversal of Iran Strategy, Pentagon Orders Aircraft Carrier Home," 1 Jan. 2021 Employers can do this by assessing the nature, severity and imminence of the potential harm and the likelihood the harm will occur. — Anchorage Daily News, "Can employers require their employees get a COVID-19 vaccination?," 22 Dec. 2020 Also consider the imminence of shortstop Wander Franco, MLB's consensus No. 1 prospect, and promising young players like LHP Brendan McKay (injury) and 1B/3B Nate Lowe, who didn't get much of a chance to contribute en route to the World Series. — Jesse Yomtov, USA TODAY, "Way-too-early look at MLB teams who could win the 2021 World Series," 28 Oct. 2020 The imminence of the election introduces more wrinkles. — John Yoo, WSJ, "A Winding Constitutional Path From Trump to Pence to Pompeo," 2 Oct. 2020 Lizzie, the narrator of this novel, is hired to answer e-mails for a prominent professor who lectures widely about the imminence of climate apocalypse. — The New Yorker, "Briefly Noted," 2 Mar. 2020 But even this imminence brought displeasure for some. — Manavi Kapur, Quartz India, "Gandhi’s former Sabarmati home remained a sanctuary of calm amid Trump’s visit," 24 Feb. 2020 The snowcapped peak of Monte Viso looms in the distance, a reminder of Christmas’ imminence. — Saveur, "This Italian Town Always Smells Like Panettone," 16 Dec. 2019

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

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Last Updated

22 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Imminence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imminence. Accessed 25 Jan. 2021.

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