Synonyms of impend

impend

verb

im-ˈpend 

as in to loom

to be about to happen

for confirmed pessimists some disaster always seems to be impending

Synonyms & Similar Words

• loom
• brew
• approach
• threaten
• menace
• draw on
• advance
• near
• hover
• hang
• gather
• overhang
• close in
• lower

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• diminish
• disappear
• recede
• fall
• vanish
• abate
• lessen
• decline
• subside
• shrink
• fade
• ebb
• wane
• relent
• dwindle
• die down
• moderate
• lower
• remit
• taper off
• taper
• let up
• pass
• withdraw
• fall back
• retreat
• de-escalate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of impend

Then, there’s a dramatic landscape by Jacob van Ruisdael, with gray clouds muttering on high and brighter blues impending in the sky below. —Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

This would capitalize on already nascent industry interest in hedging against biosecurity risks, trade bans, tariffs and provenance issues arising from European Union’s impending Digital Product Passport. —Patty Huntington, Sourcing Journal, 17 Mar. 2026

Blankfein is far from the first financial heavyweight to warn of impending turmoil. —Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 4 Mar. 2026

During an eclipse, people would bang drums, shoot arrows, or create loud noises to scare the dragon away, as a red moon was seen as a sign of impending misfortune or celestial imbalance. —Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026

Phrases Containing impend

• impend (over)