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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.

The average price target sits at $55.04, implying a looming pullback—or perhaps difficulty catching up to the stock’s recent rise.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

But yearly rises in rent, as well as the looming end of the contract, remained a cause of stress for the nonprofit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

But Tehran remains defiant on this issue and it will be a decisive one in the looming negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The other big trade issue looming over U.S. companies is the U.S.-Mexico Canada Trade Agreement.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

But I’ve always wondered if the looming dark shadows gliding just under the surface might munch off a toe or two.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

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.