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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 imminent arrival of the Kelvin wave comes as California has jolted into emergency mode. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 Israel is not the only country to have failed to take action despite ample intelligence suggesting a catastrophic attack was imminent. — Dov Lieber, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 Some unconfirmed media reports cited additional recent threats of a plot, but the British government gave no indication of anything imminent. — Steve Hendrix, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026 In a welcome sign of positive change in the barrio, a new branch of Javier Bonet’s super-cool Sala de Despiece restaurant is imminent. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imminent
  1. impending
  2. upcoming
  3. approaching
  4. coming
Adjective
  • Aubrey Layne, Sentara’s chief administrative officer, said lower payment rates from government programs — and impending cuts to Medicaid — are forcing the hospital to play hardball with the insurers that are representing employers.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The film is a satire about an impending climate change apocalypse that’s triggered by the drilling operations of oil tycoon Digger Rockwell, played by Cruise, who looks nearly unrecognizable clad in prosthetics and graying hair.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of impending
Adjective
  • But the latest release — though unlikely to materially affect the results of the upcoming election — once again concentrates attention on Tinubu’s time in the US.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The upcoming Doha Film Festival has unveiled its 15-title competition lineup made up mostly of Middle East premieres of movies from the region, seven of which directed by women.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of upcoming
Adjective
  • The 2026 midterm elections are fast approaching, and in some states, voters are already casting ballots.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Election day in South Dakota is fast approaching, and several important statewide offices will be on your ballots.
    — Gabriel Brito, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of approaching
Adjective
  • The county has an ample pot of uncommitted funds in coming years, however, in part because of the rapid growth of the revenue stream.
    — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • And lunar traffic is poised to increase greatly in the coming years, as both the United States and China aim to build bases near the moon's south pole.
    — Leonard David, Space.com, 7 Oct. 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 12 Oct. 2026.

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