impending

adjective

im·​pend·​ing im-ˈpen-diŋ 

: occurring or likely to occur soon : upcoming

impending trials

impending motherhood

… scientists who rely on the satellite signals for hints of impending earthquakes and volcanic eruptions …

—R. Monastersky

… heed the warnings of impending disaster.

—Publishers Weekly

… many of us secretly enjoy the sassier commercials and elegant layouts, not to mention being told of impending sales.

—Andrew Hacker

Synonyms of impending

• upcoming
• approaching
• coming

Examples of impending in a Sentence

an impending celebration of the 100th anniversary of the college's founding

an aura of impending doom hung over the city

Recent Examples on the Web

James’ agent Rich Paul appeared on ESPN just a few minutes before the start Friday’s summer league matchup between the Heat and Bucks to discuss James’ impending free agent decision. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

The Rolling Stones were there to chronicle the impending hangover. — Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

The Orange County Board of Supervisors needs fresh talent to head off impending crises, especially on the budget. — John Seiler, Oc Register, 9 July 2026

Ragans will miss the remainder of the 2026 season and Bubic is an impending free agent. — Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of impend

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for impending

• amending
• appending
• ascending
• attending
• befriending
• commending
• contending
• defending
• depending
• descending
• distending
• expending