ONCOMING Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

oncoming

adjective

ˈȯn-ˌkə-miŋ

Definition of oncoming

as in upcoming

being soon to appear or take place we're looking forward to your oncoming visit

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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 oncoming Police said at the time Shao was a passenger, on her way home from a trip, when Reyes-Vargas drove into oncoming traffic to get around a traffic jam, initiating a head-on collision. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 At some point on the short route to his school, Grant — apparently tired from a day of classes and extracurriculars — drifted off behind the wheel of his car and went over the yellow line and into oncoming traffic. — Susan Young, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 Footage from the checkpoint shows water engulfing buildings as people flee the oncoming currents. — Callum Sutherland, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 During the chase, the driver crossed into oncoming westbound lanes. — City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oncoming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oncoming

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

Adjective

August 29, the fictional date (in 1997) of the franchise’s original nuclear holocaust, is fast approaching, and Judgment Day is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
Not only is retirement looming at some not-too-distant time, but the college drop-off is fast approaching.

— Ken Stern, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of approaching

Adjective

After a freak accident, Frank the bunny appears in an outstandingly creepy fashion to inform Donnie Darko of the world's impending doom.

— Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
The prank came amid rumors about Stern’s impending retirement and the cancellation of his show.

— Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of impending

Browse Nearby Words

on cloud nine

oncoming

on deck

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“Oncoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oncoming. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of oncoming

adjective

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