IMMINENT Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

imminent

adjective

ˈi-mə-nənt

Definition of imminent

as in impending

giving signs of immediate occurrence a storm is imminent, so you should seek shelter now

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in upcoming

being soon to appear or take place an imminent development that should radically transform how we treat the disease

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of imminent The report falsely suggests that any group opposed to American intervention in Cuba is an imminent threat to the United States. — Anne Garland Mahler, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 That is unlikely, given the amount of work remaining to prepare the site, and little indication of any imminent plans to transport Starships from SpaceX’s operational factory in South Texas to Florida. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026 The Thai public was willing to tolerate only short interludes of military rule, and coup makers had no choice but to promise the imminent restoration of democracy. — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026 The new rumor included in Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter says a new model is imminent and may be on sale before the end of the year. — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imminent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imminent

Adjective

Netanyahu brands Erdogan an ‘antisemitic tyrant’ Netanyahu and Katz have pushed back on the political motivation narrative, warning instead of an impending Turkish footprint in Syria.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
That said, this episode — which focused on Barney trying to win over Robin’s scary father as Ted tried to deal with his feelings about his pals’ impending nuptials — hit the right notes, both emotionally and mythologically.

— Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of impending

Adjective

If the upcoming tests continue to validate the design, the 24-round reusable pod could become one of JR3’s biggest advantages.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
The upcoming 17-day FIBA break could be an opportunity for a new player to acclimate to Hammon’s system in Las Vegas.

— Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of upcoming

Browse Nearby Words

imminences

imminent

imminently

See all Nearby Words

Articles Related to imminent

Cite this Entry

Style

“Imminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imminent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of imminent

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Commonly Confused Words Quiz

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

On 'Eminent' and 'Imminent' (and...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes