imminent

[im-uh-nuhnt] / ˈɪm ə nənt /

ADJECTIVE

at hand, on the way

Synonyms

STRONGEST

forthcoming immediate impending inevitable likely looming possible probable unavoidable

WEAK

about to happen approaching brewing close coming expectant fast-approaching following gathering in store in the air in the cards in the offing in the wind in view ineluctable inescapable inevasible menacing near nearing next nigh on its way on the horizon on the verge overhanging see it coming threatening to come unescapable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

avoidable distant escapable later never unlikely

WEAK

doubtful far future

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.

The company has apologised for not contacting the police, but said the suspect's account did not meet its threshold of a credible or imminent plan for serious physical harm to others.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

The escalation in attacks on Monday dashed optimism among investors who had been hoping for an imminent peace deal to end the war in Iran.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

In its court petition, rights group the Katiba Institute warned that the arrangement posed "grave and imminent risks" to public health.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

For those who more dread than relish the imminent arrival of a fifth “Toy Story” film, a healthy dose of KoKo the Clown, one of the studio’s original characters, might just be called for.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

A good spy is but the secret writer of all moments imminent.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Vocabulary lists containing imminent

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