as in impending
giving signs of immediate occurrence
some economists see a looming collapse of the stock market
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in brewing
to be about to happen
he tried to take a proactive approach to dealing with the problems that loomed ahead
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of looming
Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
For travelers like George Schwab, the math no longer adds up for paying for parking at Charlotte’s airport, especially with another rate hike looming.
—Chase Jordan
february 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
Here's what Brookfield did to cover 2026 budget After voters rejected the 2025 referendum meant to remedy the looming budget gap, Brookfield officials began discussions on how to come up with the money.
—Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 6 Feb. 2026
As much as the looming Seahawks-Pats showdown has all the makings of nightmare fuel, the people who dragged young Winston into this mess have by now probably grown accustomed to gutting out a Jets-free Super Bowl.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Employers are cutting jobs at a rate not seen since the Great Recession, according to a report out today, in the latest sign of looming economic uncertainty.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
Skubal’s victory was particularly notable considering MLB’s collective bargaining agreement with the MLBPA is set to expire in December, with the potential for widespread reckoning — and the threat of a work stoppage — looming.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026
Doctors, responders, advocates, and survivors have long warned that the program faced a looming financial crisis.
—Liz Neporent, ABC News, 5 Feb. 2026
Still, with the deadline looming, both sides signaled openness to a temporary compromise.
—Nik Popli, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
This scene in Seoul in January may seem totally contrary to the usual headlines from South Korea, of plummeting birth rates and a looming demographic crisis that also threatens to swallow neighboring Japan and China.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
For travelers like George Schwab, the math no longer adds up for paying for parking at Charlotte’s airport, especially with another rate hike looming.
—Chase Jordan
february 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
Here's what Brookfield did to cover 2026 budget After voters rejected the 2025 referendum meant to remedy the looming budget gap, Brookfield officials began discussions on how to come up with the money.
—Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 6 Feb. 2026
As much as the looming Seahawks-Pats showdown has all the makings of nightmare fuel, the people who dragged young Winston into this mess have by now probably grown accustomed to gutting out a Jets-free Super Bowl.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Employers are cutting jobs at a rate not seen since the Great Recession, according to a report out today, in the latest sign of looming economic uncertainty.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
Skubal’s victory was particularly notable considering MLB’s collective bargaining agreement with the MLBPA is set to expire in December, with the potential for widespread reckoning — and the threat of a work stoppage — looming.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026
Doctors, responders, advocates, and survivors have long warned that the program faced a looming financial crisis.
—Liz Neporent, ABC News, 5 Feb. 2026
Still, with the deadline looming, both sides signaled openness to a temporary compromise.
—Nik Popli, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for looming
Adjective
-
Unless there is more to the Leonard story indicating an impending punishment from the NBA, this is an absolute disservice to Clippers fans this year and in immediate years to come.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Room for Disagreement Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, warned of an impending recession, in part due to consumption outpacing wages.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Trouble begins brewing with the arrival of their nouveau riche neighbors, Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif), and his ward, Isabella (Alison Oliver).—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
9 Feb. 2026
-
There’s this white nationalism that’s been brewing under the radar for a long time.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In the attack, suspects were identified approaching the yellow line in southern Khan Younis and were deemed a threat to the troops.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
At one point, Woods tapped the back of his head, signaling that the seal was approaching.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Looming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/looming. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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