Definitions

in the offing

ADJECTIVE

coming

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipated expected forthcoming impending subsequent

STRONG

advancing aspiring close converging deserving docking due fated foreseen future instant marked near nearing oncoming ordained predestined preparing progressing pursuing

WEAK

about to happen almost on one at hand certain drawing near en route eventual gaining upon getting near immediate imminent in prospect in store in the wind in view next nigh prospective running after to-be up-and-coming

Antonyms

STRONGEST

distant

STRONG

away far gone past

ADJECTIVE

future

Synonyms

STRONGEST

eventual forthcoming imminent impending planned prospective subsequent ultimate

STRONG

approaching coming final inevitable unfolding

WEAK

booked budgeted close at hand coming up destined down the line down the pike down the road fated from here in from here on from here to eternity from now on in in the cards in the course of time just around the corner later likely looked toward near next scheduled to-be ulterior unborn up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

distant later past

ADJECTIVE

imminent

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 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

ADJECTIVE

impending

Synonyms

STRONGEST

approaching brewing imminent looming

STRONG

coming gathering hovering menacing near nearing overhanging portending threatening

WEAK

at hand in the cards in the wind looking to ominous on the horizon proximate see it coming waiting to

Antonyms

STRONG

gone past

WEAK

distant later never remote

ADJECTIVE

near

Synonyms

STRONGEST

imminent impending

STRONG

approaching approximate coming expected looming

WEAK

at hand comparative near-at-hand next relative

Antonyms

STRONGEST

distant later

WEAK

away deferred expired far gone past postponed remote unfamiliar

ADJECTIVE

pending

Synonyms

STRONGEST

imminent impending undecided

WEAK

awaiting continuing dependent forthcoming hanging in line in the balance in the works indeterminate ominous on board on line pendent undetermined unsettled up in the air

Antonyms

STRONGEST

distant later

WEAK

improbable unlikely

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.

Instead the film seems to suggest that a sequel is in the offing and invites the audience to settle on its own interpretation about the events so far.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

He promised that a “much better deal” was in the offing.

From Slate • May 1, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

Given the mean target price was £13.52 before today’s release, below the current price, upgrades are most likely in the offing.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

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

in the offing

Example Sentences

Related Words