Imminent
mediumNeutral toneIM-ih-nunt
adjective
Definition
About to happen; impending
Memory hook
IM-MINENT: about to happen any MINUTE — looming and very close in time (not eminent = famous).
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The imminent storm forced evacuation of coastal areas.”
“With defeat imminent, the general ordered a retreat.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ storm forced evacuation of coastal areas.”
Show answer
imminent
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Imminent is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "impending" or "approaching" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "distant".
Related GRE Words
abiding
Lasting for a long time; enduring and unchanging
ephemeral
Lasting for a very short time; transitory
extant
Still in existence; not destroyed or lost
fugitive
Quick to disappear; fleeting; a person who has escaped
perennial
Lasting for an indefinitely long time; enduring
transient
Lasting only for a short time; temporary
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