1
as in unsettled
not yet settled or decided
a decision is pending about whether to buy computers or sports equipment with this money
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in upcoming
being soon to appear or take place
a pending review of your work so far this term
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in impending
giving signs of immediate occurrence
the sky darkened with a pending storm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pending
Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026
Bretches is one of the four officers whose cases remain pending.
—Tony Plohetski, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 16 Nov. 2022
Since Sorokin is currently in Immigration and Enforcement custody pending deportation, the video interview happened in fits and starts because Cooper and Sorokin had to keep reconnecting on the phone when time was up.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN, 17 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for pending
Adjective
There are at least three more pending investigations that are still outstanding, according to OSHA’s website, and Boring Company is currently contesting eight citations it was issued regarding chemical burns in 2024.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026
Bretches is one of the four officers whose cases remain pending.
—Tony Plohetski, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
Preposition
Judges have blocked Alabama's and Arkansas' measures from taking effect pending litigation.
—Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 16 Nov. 2022
Since Sorokin is currently in Immigration and Enforcement custody pending deportation, the video interview happened in fits and starts because Cooper and Sorokin had to keep reconnecting on the phone when time was up.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN, 17 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for pending
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pending
Adjective
-
The weekend will be quiet and comfortable with near-normal temperatures, with conditions becoming unsettled again early next week.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
-
In addition to unsettled funding mechanisms, the cultural understanding of 988 is still shifting.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s more of a long-term goal, with the expectation that the Rangers will aim to nab one piece with their top-five pick in the upcoming NHL Draft and keep an eye out for any others who hit the market either this summer or down the road.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Veteran right-hander Phil Maton will be activated from the IL during the Cubs’ upcoming series in San Diego.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The relationship set the tone for what was to come over the impending months — from that spark to culminating the deal in the last few weeks.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Apr. 2026
-
By the time Cale Makar picked up the puck on the offensive line, exploiting Taylor Ward in a mismatched one-on-one before sniping short side past Anton Forsberg, the impending sweep was clear.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Preposition
-
Charlie Kirk took off as a meme shortly after he was killed, last September, during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
29 Apr. 2026
-
In the race to fill the Council seat for District 3 — which includes the West Village, Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen — Mamdani backed Boylan, a fellow Democratic Socialists of America member and an ally during his mayoral campaign against Andrew Cuomo.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The unresolved regulatory boundaries have led to numerous legal disputes with the states and tribes that regulate and tax gambling.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Borrowers who leave a program with unresolved balances should act quickly, understand their rights and, if needed, pursue additional relief before a creditor does.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Summer is fast approaching, with warm temperatures expected to hit Washington DC and make for a sticky and humid start to the season, a familiar reality for residents across the DMV.—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Colorado’s first open race for governor in eight years is fast approaching, and The Denver Post wants your questions for the candidates.—
Jon Murray,
Denver Post,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
An undetermined number of geofence warrants Just how many geofence warrants have been issued in recent years is unknown.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Of those deaths, one was confirmed to be due to a vessel strike, six had undetermined causes of death or no necropsy — an animal autopsy — carried out and two have necropsies pending.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
It is expected to reach full operations in the coming months, to power over 400,000 Massachusetts homes and businesses.—
Jennifer McDermott,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Prices are stabilizing and may even rise slightly in coming months as demand rises and supply continues to be tight, Wei said.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pending. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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