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Synonyms

looming

American  
[loo-ming] / ˈlu mɪŋ /

noun

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


Etymology

Origin of looming

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After JPMorgan Chase boss Jamie Dimon used a cockroach analogy to warn about looming defaults, Nesbitt declared there were “No Cockroaches in Private Debt.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Reports of potentially looming job cuts at Oracle have been floating around for weeks.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

In the village of Pusztavacs in central Hungary, election posters on electricity poles remind voters of a looming poll, where nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban's future is on the line.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

As someone who wakes up in a cold sweat every night, terrified by the looming possibility that “The Devil Wears Prada 2” may be awful, trust me: Sometimes it’s better to leave well enough alone.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

From across the river, he saw a beautiful scene: a looming moon, high over Washington, with the great dome glowing in the moonlight.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson