looming

[ loo-ming ]

noun

1. a mirage in which objects below the horizon seem to be raised above their true positions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of looming¹

First recorded in 1620–30; loom ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

They all had relatively mild symptoms, said Goody, but the couple quickly realized they had a looming problem.

From Washington Post

The looming transition marks the most radical shake-up in Amazon’s corporate ranks in its nearly 30-year history.

From Washington Post

The federal government was warned of the looming disaster, according to an investigation requested by the supreme court, but didn’t do enough to avert it.

From Washington Post

The law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting the Capitol did not act on this intelligence or adequately prepare for the looming threat.

From Washington Post

The dangers are even greater with looming crises in municipal finance in the wake of the Covid pandemic.

From ProPublica

Thus, like Michael Corleone, Abel is a man living with a paternal figure looming over his life.

From The Daily Beast

With a government shutdown looming, Nancy Pelosi and Michele Bachmann are on the same side.

From The Daily Beast

Across the country, high school seniors are in the throes of completing college applications before looming deadlines.

From The Daily Beast

Finally, as with other medications, the looming question is that of globalization.

From The Daily Beast

Visitors are greeted by a looming gothic gate, the kind used to signify that important residents lie behind its spires.

From The Daily Beast

Some one is bending over me, looming unnaturally large in the darkness.

From Project Gutenberg

I am afraid that there is still further trouble looming ahead.

From Project Gutenberg

Sheriff Tom had seen many war-bonneted Indians looming through the dust of trail herds.

From Project Gutenberg

Don't you love to see great ideas looming through a mist of words?

From Project Gutenberg

I saw the nearer trees looming in the mist, and the silver fog rolling on the lake.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• approaching
• imminent
• impending