be in the offing

VERB

impend

Synonyms

STRONG

advance approach brew brewing forebode foreshadow frighten imperil jeopardize loom lower menace overhang portend presage warn

WEAK

be dangerous be gathering be imminent be in the air be on the horizon come on hang over put at risk put in jeopardy

VERB

threaten

Synonyms

STRONGEST

imperil jeopardize warn

STRONG

advance approach brewing forebode foreshadow frighten impend loom overhang portend presage

WEAK

be dangerous be gathering be imminent be in the air be on the horizon come on hang over put at risk put in jeopardy

Antonyms

WEAK

alleviate guard help protect relieve save

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And if rumors are to be believed, more firings could be in the offing.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

A sustainably higher multiple could be in the offing if the company can go from a slow-growth auto maker in a competitive and cyclical business to a maker of robots.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

Interviewed on the podcast Top Traders Unplugged, White sketched out the problems facing advanced economies at present and delivered a disconcerting warning of the systemic failure he thinks may be in the offing.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 7, 2026

WAILUKU, Hawaii — A Rams-Jalen Ramsey reunion might not be in the offing.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2025

The Chicago Tribune reported that increasing turbulence in global markets had raised concerns in London that a recession, even a full-blown “panic,” could be in the offing.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

be in the offing

Example Sentences

Related Words