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Synonyms

offing

American  
[aw-fing, of-ing] / ˈɔ fɪŋ, ˈɒf ɪŋ /

noun

  1. the more distant part of the sea seen from the shore, beyond the anchoring ground.

  2. a position at a distance from shore.

idioms

  1. in the offing,

    1. at a distance but within sight.

    2. in the projected future; likely to happen.

      A wedding is in the offing.
offing British  
/ ˈɒfɪŋ /

noun

  1. the part of the sea that can be seen from the shore

  2. likely to occur soon

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
offing More Idioms  

  1. see in the offing.

Etymology

Origin of offing

First recorded in 1620–30; off + -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.

Knowing that an indictment was in the offing, Heppner had consulted Claude for help on a defense strategy.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

Given the mean target price was £13.52 before today’s release, below the current price, upgrades are most likely in the offing.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

A sustainably higher multiple could be in the offing if the company can go from a slow-growth auto maker in a competitive and cyclical business to a maker of robots.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

It is not yet clear whether a Trump International Hotel is in the offing.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

If Meereen knew that a wedding was in the offing, that alone might buy her a few nights’ respite, even if Hizdahr’s efforts came to naught.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.