imminent

adjective

ˈi-mə-nənt How to pronounce imminent (audio)
Definition of imminentnext
1
as in impending
giving signs of immediate occurrence a storm is imminent, so you should seek shelter now

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in upcoming
being soon to appear or take place an imminent development that should radically transform how we treat the disease

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of imminent The community in Mount Airy, Maryland is raising funds for two storm sirens to alert neighbors of imminent weather threats and prevent tragedy from striking again. — Tara Lynch, CBS News, 31 July 2026 Now, impact is imminent, with the upper-stage of the Falcon 9 rocket being just days away from slamming into the moon at more than seven times the speed of sound. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 30 July 2026 He was charged with a second count of terroristic threat causing fear of imminent serious bodily injury, which is a misdemeanor. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026 The rights organization said Tuesday at least 79 other Ethiopians remain at imminent risk of execution on similar charges. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for imminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imminent
  1. impending
  2. upcoming
  3. approaching
  4. coming
Adjective
  • One To Watch Morgan Rogers’ impending move from Aston Villa to Chelsea could have significant ripple effects on the wider market.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • When Madigan resigned in 2021, in addition to his impending corruption scandal, the Hampton story hung over him — and his party — like a black cloud.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of impending
Adjective
  • The tour is also dedicated to the upcoming 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence on August 24, linking Sasha’s personal story to the country’s ongoing fight for freedom.
    — Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Teams have trained over the summer to be ready for the upcoming school year, APS police Chief Ronald Applin said.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of upcoming
Adjective
  • So, with another knockout game fast approaching, will Messi step up if Argentina is awarded another spot kick?
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • For the Master Plan to be implemented, cities representing 80% of the population of the participating cities must approve the plan by the deadline of August 14, 2026, which is fast approaching.
    — Stephanie Pearson, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2026
Definition of approaching
Adjective
  • As inflation skyrockets in Iran, many civilians will feel the bite of poverty and hardship in the coming months, said Hadi Kahalzadeh, economist and non-resident fellow at the Quincy Institute.
    — Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • The coming months will have an entirely new look, however, if reports are accurate.
    — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of coming

Browse Nearby Words

imminences
imminent
imminently
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Cite this Entry

“Imminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imminent. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imminent

Nglish: Translation of imminent for Spanish Speakers

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