1
as in unsettled
not yet settled or decided
a decision is pending about whether to buy computers or sports equipment with this money
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in upcoming
being soon to appear or take place
a pending review of your work so far this term
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in impending
giving signs of immediate occurrence
the sky darkened with a pending storm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pending
Dan Raby, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
There are at least three more pending investigations that are still outstanding, according to OSHA’s website, and Boring Company is currently contesting eight citations it was issued regarding chemical burns in 2024.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026
Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 16 Nov. 2022
Since Sorokin is currently in Immigration and Enforcement custody pending deportation, the video interview happened in fits and starts because Cooper and Sorokin had to keep reconnecting on the phone when time was up.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN, 17 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for pending
Adjective
Other lawsuits, including one by BioLab's insurance provider remain pending.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
There are at least three more pending investigations that are still outstanding, according to OSHA’s website, and Boring Company is currently contesting eight citations it was issued regarding chemical burns in 2024.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026
Preposition
Judges have blocked Alabama's and Arkansas' measures from taking effect pending litigation.
—Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 16 Nov. 2022
Since Sorokin is currently in Immigration and Enforcement custody pending deportation, the video interview happened in fits and starts because Cooper and Sorokin had to keep reconnecting on the phone when time was up.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN, 17 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for pending
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pending
Adjective
-
James Ward Thursday night’s California governor debate underscored just how unsettled — and contentious — the race has become, with candidates repeatedly clashing over crime, election integrity, reproductive rights, and the balance of power between state and local government.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
In this triumphant tour de force, Crain and a group of fertility patients reckon with the threats to their family future, unearthing hope from an unsettled legal landscape.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Blocking the map The third case would also have seismic ramifications on which map is used in the upcoming elections.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
10 May 2026
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Clues point to further possible trimming of Bank of America (BAC) and Apple (AAPL), but the actual transactions won’t be known until the upcoming 13F filing on May 15.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
But there were other signs of an impending disaster.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
10 May 2026
-
As the impending deadline approaches, one thing is on the Magidsons’ minds — keeping the family together.—
Corey Schmidt,
Sacbee.com,
10 May 2026
Preposition
-
White audiences also flocked uptown to a profusion of night clubs, mostly Mob-run during Prohibition, some (like the Cotton Club and Connie’s Inn) featuring Black performers but not welcoming most Black audiences.—
Brian Seibert,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
-
Vegas played the final 51 minutes of the game without McNabb, who has averaged more than 22 minutes of ice time during the playoffs.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
The most touching sections feature John expressing his love for Yoko, and drawing a connection between his love for her and his relationship with Paul, as well as his unresolved feelings about his 1970s activism.—
Vikram Murthi,
IndieWire,
15 May 2026
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That civil case is still unresolved, however, as both sides have failed to reach an agreement on how much Kapoor must compensate those investors.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
As for those still deliberating, Decision Day is fast approaching.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
-
Summer is fast approaching, with warm temperatures expected to hit Washington DC and make for a sticky and humid start to the season, a familiar reality for residents across the DMV.—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
His status for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals remains undetermined, though ESPN reported Wednesday that there’s an expectation Anunoby will be available.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
13 May 2026
-
The cause of the incident remained undetermined, including the engine fire.—
Jack Lowenstein,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
But whether that simplification buys private space firms enough time and fuel savings to deliver the landings in 2028 is something NASA will find out in coming months as the companies respond to its proposal.—
Dan Vergano,
Scientific American,
11 May 2026
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The goal is to build an AI software layer that can work in robots across a range of factories and other work sites in coming years, before potentially expanding into homes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pending. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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