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

But even with his players echoing Roberts’ words, there was a certain inevitability about the imminence of the Dodgers’ title and the beginning of an appreciation of the scope of their accomplishments. —Jerry Beach, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

The apparent shift in Washington reflects public opinion that has been more willing to entertain the possibility of AGI’s imminence. —Daniel Colson, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024

When children among Wyatt’s extended family reach their teen years, the aunts, uncles, and grandparents celebrate the imminence of adulthood with a group vacation, although the destinations tend to be humble in their ambition. —Nico Lang, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2024

At the 1940 Republican National Convention, in Philadelphia, an uneasy affair marked by bomb scares, a British espionage scandal, and the imminence of global conflict, ten names were placed in nomination. —The Editors, The New Yorker, 29 Sep. 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