Are Impending and Imminent the Same?

Imminent is an adjective meaning “about to happen.” It comes from a Latin word meaning “to overhang” or “to be near.” ” Similar in meaning to imminent is the word impending, literally, “hanging over.” Unlike imminent, impending has a negative, even ominous connotation.

Is there a difference between imminent and impending?

As adjectives the difference between imminent and impending

is that imminent is about to happen, occur, or take place very soon, especially of something which won't last long while impending is approaching; drawing near; about to happen.

Does impending mean imminent?

about to happen; imminent: their impending marriage. imminently threatening or menacing: an impending storm. Archaic.