pending 1 of 2

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
Williams was sentenced to 17 years for both Jeffrey’s murder and the indecent assault on a child charge that had been pending also in Broward County, but he was freed after only seven years due to prison crowding. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2025 Shand, who had been free pending sentencing, showed no visible reaction to his own sentence, either. Steve Karnowski, Twin Cities, 28 May 2025
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
  • The ongoing legal battle and federal investigation remains unsettled; Mountain West has made questionable claims Slusser's attorney, William Bock, filed a response to motions to dismiss one of the cases June 23.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2025
  • As summer travel peaks and crowded airports coincide with unsettled weather, many travelers feel like the system is in a constant state of melting down.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • With the space franchise's upcoming 60th anniversary looming, fans will likely engage in a massive celebration.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Lakers Expected to Make Key Contract Decision Before Season Heading into the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, Butler will be a huge part of Golden State's goal of winning another championship with Curry.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Experts have warned of an impending disaster, with food supplies running out by November.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The impending sale of striker Darwin Nunez - ironically to Al Hilal, which is also, like Newcastle, owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund - may bring Liverpool back to the table.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Preposition
  • Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christopher Wagner sentenced 41-year-old Mortimer to at least 45 years in prison during a hearing on Aug. 8.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 9 Aug. 2025
  • His approval average during his first term was 41%.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Senior administration officials have in recent days confirmed the plans are far along, though crucial structural decisions—such as whether to list the two separately or together—remain unresolved.
    Sergei Klebnikov, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
  • However, Hanke believes that dismissing this possibility is a mistake, and issues that have been simmering beneath the surface of the U.S. economy since the COVID pandemic remain unresolved and could soon trigger significant economic upheaval.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Preposition
  • The San Francisco Giants are having yet another blah season, taking a 59-60 record into Tuesday and trailing the Padres by eight games.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The change would begin in this fall’s application season, with a projected end to the magnet by June 2030.
    Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • No further search efforts are planned for Fish Lake, and the circumstances of White's death remain officially undetermined with no evidence of foul play.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
  • At this time, there is no information on the containment of the fire and the cause of it is still undetermined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Other Republicans worry that a second rescission bill will disrupt negotiations between the parties to avoid a government shutdown in coming months.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Chatter about how traditional broadcasters and super-indies can best leverage YouTube rather than bowing to its power will likely dominate over coming months.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pending. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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!