Definitions

in the offing

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coming adj.
future adj.
imminent adj.
impending adj.
near adj.
pending adj.

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.

See Examples For:

in the offing

He finished third that weekend, but even that recently there was no indication a performance such as this was in the offing.

From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2026

But sending checks to customers who paid higher prices because of the tariffs doesn’t seem to be in the offing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026

Deals are still in the offing for the time being, though, since many builders are trying to get unsold homes off their books.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 16, 2026

President Trump suggested an Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was in the offing on Monday.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 2026

If Meereen knew that a wedding was in the offing, that alone might buy her a few nights’ respite, even if Hizdahr’s efforts came to naught.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

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