imminent
About to happen very soon
Examples
In a meeting
“The product launch is imminent—we're finalizing the last details.”
Over coffee
“The storm looks imminent; we should head inside.”
Why this word
approaching
approaching means coming closer, while imminent means about to happen at any moment, emphasizing immediacy
impending
impending means about to happen soon, while imminent stresses that something is immediately about to occur
near
near is vague about timing, while imminent specifically means likely to occur very soon or at any moment
Usage tip
Use for events that will happen very soon, often with a sense of urgency. Don't confuse with 'eminent' (famous).
Etymology
Latin: imminere from in- (upon) + minere (to project, threaten) — 'to overhang, threaten'
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Related words
synchronize
Make things happen at the same time or work together
fortuitous
Happening by chance in a lucky or beneficial way
precede
To come before something in time, order, or position
impending
About to happen soon, often with negative implications
imperative
Absolutely necessary or urgent
exigent
Urgent and demanding immediate action or attention