ongoing

adjective

ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ How to pronounce ongoing (audio)
Definition of ongoingnext
1
as in operating
being in progress or development we do seem to be making some headway on that ongoing project the ever ongoing quest for knowledge by men and women of science

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in current
existing or in progress right now the ongoing presidential campaign

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in continuing
having an existence or validity that does not change or diminish an ongoing commitment to improving their community

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ongoing The state mandated that these policies be strengthened after large rallies and encampments protesting the ongoing war in Gaza swept through universities in 2024. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Throughout October thousands joined the cause in Delhi and other Indian cities, their marches spurred by anger directed against an ongoing national exercise to overhaul the country’s electoral register. — Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026 The brand’s efforts include the By Art Matters museum, which opened in 2021, as well as ongoing artist residencies and editorial collaborations with artists. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026 That refers to ongoing therapy given after an initial heavy treatment, such as chemotherapy or surgery. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ongoing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ongoing
  1. operating
  2. current
  3. continuing
  4. present
  5. enduring
  6. recent
  7. eternal
  8. immediate
Adjective
  • The Georgia park was closed on Tuesday for a pre-scheduled non-operating day, officials said.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • That sits on the books of the league’s 32 Equity investment arm, and 1/32 of any gains or losses in the entity flow through the Packers’ non-operating income.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of operating
Adjective
  • Instead of relying on an external mechanical tool to move the molecule, the current itself powers the motion.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • If the current odds in all those states hold, the Democrats would win 18 out of 35 races and shift the majority from 53-47 for the Republicans to 52-48 for the Democrats.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of current
Adjective
  • Officials said overnight enforcement will focus on common and continuing offenses such as commercial vehicles parked in residential areas and permit violations.
    — Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 6 Mar. 2025
  • State of the labor market Initial weekly unemployment insurance claims have held in a fairly steady range around 220,000, though continuing claims earlier in November had hit their highest level in about three years.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
Definition of continuing
Adjective
  • Although there’s nothing explicitly internet-y about this EP, the digital is present as a background chorus.
    — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The molecules researchers want to detect are often present in tiny amounts, so their signals are faint.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of present
Adjective
  • Their interpretations of the witch archetype keep the classic Halloween costume relevant and enduring.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • There are few celebrity beauty signatures quite as enduring as Ariana Grande’s sky-high ponytail.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of enduring
Adjective
  • That’s the highest band measured by Bank of America Institute’s Taylor Bowley and Jon Kaplan in their recent survey of spiraling childcare costs.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • An average of four recent polls puts the two camps at roughly 50 and 53 seats, respectively, leaving Arab parties and smaller factions potentially pivotal.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of recent
Adjective
  • He is surrounded by a parade of savvier comic archetypes — from his urbane, happily rational brother, Beralde (Dylan Baker), to his smart-aleck maid, Toinette (Rachel Bloom, giving eternal side-eye) — who have to either evade or manipulate him.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Advertisement No end to the season could have been more apt than Joanne and Noah pledging their eternal love while, in a gorgeous beachfront rental just steps away, their parents and siblings tear each other apart.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of eternal
Adjective
  • Its biotechnology could now serve a more immediate military application.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Times reached out to Script botanicals for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of immediate

Browse Nearby Words

on fire
ongoing
on guard
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Cite this Entry

“Ongoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ongoing. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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