imminent
/ˈɪmɪnənt/
Group 21Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- About to happen; impending GRE
Example in Context
Intelligence reports suggested that an attack was imminent, prompting officials to raise the security alert to its highest level.
Synonyms
nearapproachinglooming
Etymology
Refers to something looming or approaching quickly.
- imminere (Latin) — to overhang
Memory Aid
⚠️Sounds like “imminent sounds like 'imminent disaster'”
When the sky turns dark and stormy, the IMMINENT DISASTER of a thunderstorm is just around the corner!
Visual Association
⏳A storm cloud bursting with lightning, suggesting an impending and chaotic storm.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Confusable Pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “imminent” mean on the GRE?
imminent (adjective) means “About to happen; impending”. Intelligence reports suggested that an attack was imminent, prompting officials to raise the security alert to its highest level.
How to remember “imminent” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “imminent” sounds like “imminent sounds like 'imminent disaster'”. When the sky turns dark and stormy, the IMMINENT DISASTER of a thunderstorm is just around the corner!
What are synonyms for “imminent”?
Common synonyms: near, approaching, looming.