as in threat
something that may cause injury or harm
since the end of the Cold War, nuclear annihilation has seemed to be a less likely imminence
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Recent Examples of imminence
Second, and related to the first, the prophecies tend to concern things with minimal social relevance—an acorn about to fall, the imminence of a blue car, a word someone will speak.
—
Literary Hub, 23 July 2025
The number five, in both cases, becomes a symbol of loss and imminence, painted in starkly different hues.
—arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for imminence
Literary Hub, 23 July 2025
The number five, in both cases, becomes a symbol of loss and imminence, painted in starkly different hues.
—arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for imminence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imminence
Noun
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For the United States and its allies, however, countering the Shahed threat appears to be a game of catch-up, some experts say.—
Nathan Hodge,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
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Although Iran has not made the closure official — the ban was announced by a Revolutionary Guard representative on national TV — its threats have proved to have teeth.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Armed Black men were relied upon in moments of danger, then denied pensions, land, or political standing once the danger passed.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
1 Mar. 2026
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Democrats are wrong to reflexively oppose the president’s actions before considering the dangers Iran poses to the region and the possibility of a more peaceful Middle East.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imminence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imminence. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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