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

He likened the potential upheaval to a storm on the horizon, an “incredibly turbulent environment with looming thunderheads in all different directions.”

From Los Angeles Times

Sir Keir was on home turf for these traditional pre-conference interviews on a skyscraper looming over north London, but his problems lie further afield.

From BBC

She no longer feels the need to check the news obsessively and feels the sense of “looming dread” is gone.

From Salon

The violence is large, state-like and looming, and when it bears down on an individual, it’s as impersonal as a bullet.

From Los Angeles Times

With World Cup qualifiers looming, he may have had one eye on breaking into Thomas Tuchel's England first team, but it all changed with the signing of giant goalkeeper Donnarumma.

From BBC

Related Words

• approaching www.thesaurus.com
• imminent 
• impending