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on the verge

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 offing in the wind in view ineluctable inescapable inevasible menacing near nearing next nigh on its way on the horizon overhanging see it coming threatening to come unescapable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
avoidable distant escapable later never unlikely
WEAK
doubtful far future
ADVERB
on the brink
Synonyms
WEAK
at the limit at the threshold on the borderline on the edge on the point

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.

Wall Street was skeptical on the verge of alarm.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, the coach on the verge of denying him one final title, used to be Guardiola’s assistant.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

For decades, a puzzling discrepancy involving a tiny subatomic particle called the muon fueled speculation that physicists might be on the verge of discovering an entirely new force of nature.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

The issue has receded somewhat since 2025, for much of which China and the US seemed on the verge of a trade war.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

She looks at the stuff in her hand and instantly appears on the verge of tears again.

From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone

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