imminence

noun

im·​mi·​nence ˈi-mə-nən(t)s 

1

: something imminent

especially : impending evil or danger

2

: the quality or state of being imminent

Synonyms

• danger
• hazard
• menace
• peril
• pitfall
• risk
• threat
• trouble

Examples of imminence in a Sentence

since the end of the Cold War, nuclear annihilation has seemed to be a less likely imminence

Recent Examples on the Web

The imminence of a Fed rate cut and suspense over the macro data flow is draining the conviction of the bulls, but that’s not the same as saying their case is yet lost. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 Sep. 2024

There are the spring 2025 collections—which Pharrell Williams kicked off last night—Vogue World: Paris, next week’s haute couture presentations, and the imminence of the 2024 Olympics. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 19 June 2024

As a result, the imminence of a threat should be assessed based on the individual’s propensity for violence and the likelihood of being able to stop him in the future. —Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2013

Analysts say that Netanyahu’s bellicose rhetoric over a potential Rafah operation is aimed in large part at his domestic constituency, overstating its imminence for political gain. —Louisa Loveluck, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin imminentia, noun derivative from Latin imminent-, imminens, present participle of imminēre "to project so as to overhang (of a structure or natural feature), be intent, impend (of something unpleasant or dangerous), threaten" — more at imminent

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

imminence

noun

im·​mi·​nence ˈim-ə-nən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being imminent