loom

To seem likely to happen soon, especially when the event is worrying or unpleasant.

• A crisis is looming.
• The deadline loomed as we struggled to finish.
• Further job cuts loom on the horizon.

How to use it: loom over someone/something (The threat of closure looms over the school.)

Similar words: approach, threaten

Common phrases: loom ahead, loom large, loom on the horizon

To appear as a large, unclear shape, often looking frightening.

• A tower loomed above us.
• The ship began to loom through the fog.
• Huge mountains loom over the small town.

How to use it: loom over someone/something (A ruined castle loomed over the village.); loom out of something (A dark figure loomed out of the mist.)

Similar words: tower, emerge

Common phrases: loom over someone, loom in darkness, loom through fog

A frame or machine used to turn threads into cloth by passing them over and under each other.

• She weaves cloth on a loom.
• The old wooden loom still works.
• The factory replaced its looms with faster machines.

Common phrases: wooden loom, weaving loom, work a loom

A tool, weapon, or other object, usually referred to as part of a longer word.

• The inventory listed a loom used for cutting.
• Each iron loom hung beside the workbench.
• The old account describes weapons and household looms.

Similar words: tool, implement, utensil, article

Common phrases: household loom, iron loom, use a loom