pending 1 of 2

Definition of pendingnext

pending

2 of 2

preposition

as in during
in the course of the government must continue to function pending negotiations for next year's budget

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pending
Adjective
Other criminal cases tied to the December 2024 martial law declaration, including abuse of power and obstruction of official duty, remain pending. Hakyung Kate Lee, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026 The cause and manner of death remain pending as investigators work to determine what happened. Christopher Harris, CBS News, 19 Feb. 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
  • This stretch of unsettled weather comes as many outdoor activities are taking place across Central Texas, from youth baseball and soccer games to outdoor concerts, fairs, and car shows.
    Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
  • An unsettled weather pattern, with rounds of rain and fog, is locked in-place across the Mid-Atlantic.
    Cutter Martin, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Her work focuses on connecting with culture and history through the visual world, which is evident in her books Patterns of India, and the upcoming Patterns of Portugal (Clarkson Potter, 2024).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026
  • With her complexion routine down pat, Dean is looking forward to playing with colorful makeup and changing up her hair styles on her upcoming tour—without sacrificing the health of those signature curls.
    Natalie Campbell, Allure, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There is chatter of an impending reduction or reorganization of the international NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, which has been in place since 1999 to stabilize the country following war in the Balkans.
    Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Back in Tehran, where heavy bombardment hit several locations including residential areas late Thursday night, residents have said they, too, are given no warnings about impending attacks.
    Kara Fox, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been degraded during the American and Israeli war against it, but remains far from neutralized.
    Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 11 Mar. 2026
  • And 21% of public-sector workers reported using AI frequently during Q4 of last year.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Hegseth tries so hard—too hard—to project a tough-guy persona, as if a lot of unresolved issues, a lot of brokenness, are playing themselves out in his life.
    Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The result is a cycle that satisfies legal definitions of accountability while leaving unresolved questions about whether training, culture and policy are doing enough to change outcomes.
    Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Spring is fast approaching, but warm weather and blossoming trees are exactly what individuals with allergies don’t want to see.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The 98th Academy Awards are fast approaching, awarding the best in moviemaking across 2025.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Police considered Gratton’s death to be suspicious, but the coroner ruled the cause and manner of her death to be undetermined.
    The Denver Post, Denver Post, 12 Mar. 2026
  • One location's rating was undetermined.
    S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The panel is expected to explore changes that could reshape the calendar and player workload in coming years.
    Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Higher oil prices could complicate the inflation outlook in coming months, as increases in gasoline and other energy products often filter through to transportation, shipping and a wide range of consumer goods.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pending. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on pending

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster