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Definitions

in the works

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.

Then last year, they achieved a goal long in the works: direct training for 988 counselors.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

A number of other big transactions are in the works.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Although the company’s latest earnings report released in early March provided some signs that a recovery may be in the works, the stock continued to fall.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

In fact, such a thing had been in the works since the 1950s, but instead of hurrying to get them assembly-line ready as L.A. was sickening with smog, Detroit just made bigger, filthier cars.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Made me mad to have her anger raining in on the warmed-up feeling I had with Pa talking to me just like he used to when he had a farming plan in the works.

From "Worth" by A. LaFaye

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.