loom large
Overshadow everything else
To loom large is to seem important, threatening, or imminent—dominating attention or concern.
From the image of something massive appearing on the horizon: The deadline loomed large in everyone's mind.
Climate change looms large in policy debates.
Often implies anxiety about what's approaching or impossible to ignore.
Soon to occur
- approachingComing toward something
- forthcomingSoon to appear
- upcomingSoon to occur
- nearShort distance away
pending · brewing · nearing · oncoming · inevitable · unfolding · developing · on the horizon
Dominate by comparison
- dominateControl through superior strength
- prevailTo succeed ultimately
- predominateBe the main element
- tower overGreatly exceed in height
dwarf · eclipse · outweigh · surpass · outstrip · commanding · imposing · monumental
Fearful anticipation of harm
- threateningExpressing intent to harm
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- sinisterThreateningly suggestive of harm
- portentousOminously significant
dire · daunting · intimidating · haunting · chilling · grim · shadowy · unsettling
Discouraging through difficulty
- formidableInspiring fear or respect
- insurmountableImpossible to overcome
- oppressiveUnjustly harsh or stifling
- overpoweringToo intense to withstand
staggering · consuming · all-consuming · inescapable · crushing · paralyzing · suffocating · burdensome
impending
Soon to occur
- approachingComing toward something
- forthcomingSoon to appear
- upcomingSoon to occur
near · pending · brewing · nearing · oncoming · inevitable · unfolding · developing · on the horizon · hanging over
overshadow
Dominate by comparison
- dominateControl through superior strength
- prevailTo succeed ultimately
- predominateBe the main element
tower over · dwarf · eclipse · outweigh · surpass · outstrip · commanding · imposing · monumental · formidable
foreboding
Fearful anticipation of harm
- threateningExpressing intent to harm
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- sinisterThreateningly suggestive of harm
portentous · dire · daunting · intimidating · haunting · chilling · grim · shadowy · unsettling · alarming
daunting
Discouraging through difficulty
- formidableInspiring fear or respect
- insurmountableImpossible to overcome
- oppressiveUnjustly harsh or stifling
overpowering · staggering · consuming · all-consuming · inescapable · crushing · paralyzing · suffocating · burdensome · heavy
preoccupy
Absorb one's attention completely
fixate · worry · anxiety · dread · anticipation · apprehension · concern · fear · weigh on · gnaw at