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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.

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

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

Knowing that an indictment was in the offing, Heppner had consulted Claude for help on a defense strategy.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 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

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

“Lord knows, there’s so much in the offing, it’s nice to have a little peace of mind.”

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead