impending

adjective

im·​pend·​ing im-ˈpen-diŋ 

: occurring or likely to occur soon : upcoming

impending trials

impending motherhood

… scientists who rely on the satellite signals for hints of impending earthquakes and volcanic eruptions …

—R. Monastersky

… heed the warnings of impending disaster.

—Publishers Weekly

… many of us secretly enjoy the sassier commercials and elegant layouts, not to mention being told of impending sales.

—Andrew Hacker

Synonyms

• approaching
• coming
• forthcoming
• imminent
• nearing
• oncoming
• pending
• proximate
• upcoming

Examples of impending in a Sentence

an impending celebration of the 100th anniversary of the college's founding

an aura of impending doom hung over the city

Recent Examples on the Web

Bluey is not happy about the impending move, and neither is her mother, Chilli, despite her efforts to be supportive. —Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024

There is hope for a diplomatic easing of tensions with the impending Trump administration. —Gurufocus, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Days later, her cousin William P. Lauder also revealed his impending departure as executive chairman, focusing solely on his role as chair of the board. —Kathryn Hopkins, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024

The Biden administration's support remains firm, but Trump's impending inauguration raises questions about future U.S. commitments. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above