Definitions

in the works

Part of Speech:

All (2) Adjective (1) Noun (1)

Jump To:

pending adj.
action n.

ADJECTIVE

pending

Synonyms

STRONGEST

imminent impending undecided

WEAK

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

Antonyms

STRONGEST

distant later

WEAK

improbable unlikely

NOUN

action

Synonyms

STRONGEST

activity deal force life movement operation plan process reaction response

STRONG

agility alacrity alertness animation ballgame bit business bustle commotion dash energy enterprise flurry functioning game happening hoopla hopper industry liveliness motion occupation power proposition racket rush scene spirit stir stunt turmoil vigor vim vitality vivacity

WEAK

big idea

Antonyms

STRONGEST

idleness inaction inactivity

STRONG

calm calmness dullness harmony indolence laziness lethargy peace quiet repose rest slowness stillness

WEAK

apathy inertia stoppage

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 works

After a complicated history, a Lyme vaccine is in the works, recently completing Phase 3 human trials.

From Slate ● Aug. 6, 2026

Lilly now has two GLP-1 drugs for weight loss — Zepbound and the new GLP-1 pill Foundayo — and two more in the works.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 5, 2026

A turnaround story could be in the works at Ford, which gets less love than GM on Wall Street.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

All of that was put in place or is in the works because the Rams, who won the Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium in 2022, have a chance to do it again.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026

“I feel like I should have known or seen red flags, but when I have a game in the works, I can get...”

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

in the works

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words