looming (B1)

adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈluːmɪŋ/

Definition

Appearing as a large, dark, and/or frightening shape, often seeming to be very close.

Examples

• A sense of dread was looming over the city.

• The looming figure of the debt collector frightened him.

• The looming deadline made her anxious.

How to Use looming

loom over (prepositional phrase)

To appear large and imposing, often in a threatening way, above something or someone. — "The skyscrapers loomed over the small houses."

loom large (collocation)

To seem very important or threatening, especially when it is likely to happen soon. — "The possibility of failure loomed large in his mind."

Synonyms of looming

Words with a similar meaning to looming:

• impending
• threatening
• ominous
• frightening

Antonyms of looming

Words with the opposite meaning to looming:

• receding
• distant

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