C1verbpoliticsmedia
US/luːm/
UK/luːm/
to seem likely to happen soon, especially something worrying; or to appear as a large, threatening shape
In context
With an election looming, the government suddenly announced tax cuts.
A strike is looming at the port after talks on pay broke down.
The old prison walls loomed above the narrow street.
Words that go with loom
verb + adverb
- loom largeRising rents loom large in the minds of young voters.
- loom aheadHard choices loom ahead for the new finance minister.
adjective + noun
- looming crisisExperts warned of a looming crisis in the water supply.
verb + preposition
- loom on the horizonWith fresh elections looming on the horizon, the parties are already campaigning.
- loom overThe threat of war loomed over the region for months.