ENGLISH
REFERENCE

oncoming

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɔnˌkəmɪŋ// UK //ˈɒnkʌmɪŋ// on·com·ing

adj. moving toward you or coming closer from the opposite direction.

adj. approaching from the front or moving toward a specific point of observation.


SIMPLE

The driver slowed down to avoid the oncoming traffic.

CONTEXTUAL

She shielded her eyes from the glare of oncoming headlights as the truck rounded the corner.

COMPLEX

The cyclist signaled clearly before turning to ensure that oncoming motorists had sufficient time to react to the change in lane position.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English on comynge, oncomynge, oncoomynge; equivalent to on- + coming (noun).

Etymology 2

From on- + coming (adjective).

Etymology 3

Equivalent to oncome + -ing.

Usage

Typically used attributively, appearing immediately before the noun it modifies.

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