Oncoming vs. Incoming — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 6, 2024
Oncoming refers to something approaching or forthcoming, typically used for vehicles or events, while incoming pertains to objects or communication arriving at a point.
Difference Between Oncoming and Incoming
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Oncoming is most often used to describe something moving toward a position, especially referring to vehicles on a path towards you. On the other hand, incoming is used for things that are arriving or being sent to a location, such as calls, messages, or missiles.
In terms of physical movement, oncoming describes an object or event that is forthcoming in a direct line, like an oncoming storm. Whereas, incoming is used more broadly for any items or effects reaching a destination, not necessarily in a straight line.
Oncoming carries a sense of immediacy and potential impact, often suggesting urgency or danger, as in oncoming traffic. Conversely, incoming can denote anticipation or reception, such as incoming data or income, where the focus is on the reception.
When discussing transportation or logistics, oncoming might refer to traffic facing your direction, implying a direct encounter. In contrast, incoming could refer to goods or transport vehicles arriving from various origins to a central point.
Oncoming is also metaphorically used to describe approaching events or deadlines, suggesting something unavoidable or inevitable. Incoming, on the other hand, is commonly associated with transitions of control or power, such as incoming administrations.
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Comparison Chart
Usage Context
Vehicles, dangers, or direct approach
Goods, communications, arrivals
Connotation
Urgency, directness, potential impact
Reception, anticipation, broad reach
Typical Associations
Traffic, storms, threats
Calls, emails, officials, shipments
Direction
Toward a specific point
Toward the receiver from any point
Metaphoric Use
Events, deadlines
Changes in power or status
Compare with Definitions
Oncoming
Approaching from opposite direction.
Watch for oncoming cars while crossing the road.
Incoming
Pertaining to new developments or information.
We monitored the incoming data for any anomalies.
Oncoming
Facing or confronting.
The oncoming traffic made it difficult to merge onto the highway.
Incoming
Relating to objects moving toward a target.
The soldiers took cover from incoming artillery.
Oncoming
Approaching a particular time or event.
We prepared for the oncoming holiday season.
Incoming
Arriving at a point or destination.
The airport announced the incoming flight delays.
Oncoming
Imminently arriving or about to occur.
The oncoming storm forced us to cancel our plans.
Incoming
Entering a new position or role.
The incoming CEO has plans to restructure the company.
Oncoming
Advancing toward a confrontation.
The oncoming debate between the candidates was highly anticipated.
Incoming
Referring to communications being received.
Check the incoming messages in your inbox.
Oncoming
Coming nearer; approaching
An oncoming storm.
Incoming
Coming in or about to come in
Incoming trains.
Incoming mail.
Incoming mortar fire.
Oncoming
An approach; an advance.
Incoming
About to assume an office or position
The incoming governor.
Oncoming
Approach, onset
Incoming
The act of coming in; arrival.
Oncoming
Approaching; coming closer
Look carefully before pulling out into oncoming traffic.
Incoming
Often incomings Income; revenue.
Oncoming
Present participle of oncome
Incoming
Coming (or about to come) in; arriving.
Incoming tides cause a tidal bore in many rivers.
Oncoming
Moving toward one; approaching.
Incoming
Succeeding to an office.
The incoming prime minister gave a press conference.
Oncoming
The beginning or early stages; the onset.
Incoming
(countable) The act of coming in; arrival.
Oncoming
The beginning or early stages;
The onset of pneumonia
Incoming
Fire directed at oneself.
Oncoming
Moving toward one
Incoming
(military) A warning that something is coming towards the addressee, especially enemy artillery fire.
Incoming
Coming in; accruing.
A full incoming profit on the product of his labor.
Incoming
Coming in, succeeding, or following, as occupant or possessor; as, in incoming tenant.
Incoming
The act of coming in; arrival.
The incomings and outgoings of the trains.
Incoming
Income; gain.
Many incomings are subject to great fluctuations.
Incoming
The act of entering;
She made a grand entrance
Incoming
Coming in or succeeding or of the future;
Incoming class
Incoming mail
The incoming president
Common Curiosities
In what contexts is incoming most frequently used?
Incoming is most frequently used in contexts involving the receipt of items or information, such as incoming mail, incoming calls, or incoming officials.
How do oncoming and incoming relate to safety?
In safety terms, oncoming often involves scenarios requiring immediate awareness and response (e.g., oncoming traffic), while incoming may involve precautionary measures for expected arrivals (e.g., incoming storm).
How is incoming used in communications?
Incoming in communications refers to calls, messages, or data being received. It denotes anything that arrives at a device or service point from another location.
What is the difference in urgency between oncoming and incoming?
Oncoming often carries a greater sense of urgency and potential threat, especially in traffic or danger scenarios, whereas incoming generally refers to the arrival of items or information, which might be less immediate.
Can incoming refer to intangible things like data?
Yes, incoming frequently refers to intangible items such as data, signals, or information being received by a system.
Can oncoming be used to describe anything other than physical movement?
Yes, oncoming can also metaphorically describe events or deadlines that are approaching, suggesting a sense of inevitability or urgency.
What situations would use oncoming instead of incoming?
Oncoming is used when referring to objects or events directly approaching in a straight line, particularly in traffic and danger scenarios, whereas incoming is more about arrivals from various directions.
What are examples of incoming used in military terms?
In military contexts, incoming often refers to attacks or projectiles arriving at a target, such as incoming missiles or artillery.
What is the primary use of oncoming in traffic?
Oncoming is primarily used to describe vehicles or obstacles that are moving toward a point, especially used for traffic coming from the opposite direction.
How does the usage of oncoming differ in weather contexts?
Oncoming in weather contexts usually refers to weather events that are moving toward an area and likely to arrive imminently, like an oncoming storm.
Is oncoming used metaphorically?
Yes, oncoming can be used metaphorically to describe approaching deadlines, challenges, or events, often with a sense of unavoidable impact.
How do oncoming and incoming relate to transportation?
Oncoming often refers to vehicles or systems moving toward a central point on a path, while incoming might refer to the arrival of vehicles or shipments from various origins to a destination.
What kind of preparations are referred to as incoming?
Preparations referred to as incoming typically involve getting ready for new roles, responsibilities, or management, such as preparing for an incoming administration.
What types of communications are typically described as incoming?
Communications such as emails, phone calls, and text messages that are received by a device are typically described as incoming.
Is incoming ever used in a threatening context?
Yes, incoming can be used in threatening contexts, especially in military and defense, referring to incoming fire or attacks.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
