Answer:
1. On the verge of-point of the year, forthcoming, impending...
As December approached, Maria felt like she was on the verge of something big. She could feel it in the air - the excitement and anticipation of the new year that was just around the corner. She had a sense that something great was going to happen, that this year would be different from all the others. The feeling was almost overwhelming, but she embraced it with open arms.
2. Highly viewed, admired, cherished, esteemed...
The teacher was highly viewed by her students, who admired her for her dedication to their education. She was cherished by her colleagues, who respected her knowledge and expertise. She was esteemed by the community, who recognized her as a leader in the field of education. Her work had touched countless lives, and she was truly an inspiration to all who knew her.
3. Local resident, citizen, neighbors, inhabitants...
The small town was home to a tight-knit community of local residents, who took pride in their town and looked out for one another. Every citizen knew their neighbors and worked together to make their town a better place. From the oldest inhabitant to the youngest child, everyone had a stake in the future of their beloved hometown.
4. Near future, foreseeable future, immediate future, soon, in no time...
Sarah could hardly contain her excitement - her wedding was coming up in the near future, and everything was falling into place. The details that had seemed so daunting just weeks before were now easily manageable, and she could see the finish line looming in the foreseeable future. Her heart raced at the thought of seeing her fiancé waiting for her at the altar, and she knew that the moment would be here in no time.
5. Frighten intimidate, have risen fears, be horrified, fears that were provoked...
The news of the recent break-ins had frightened and intimidated the entire neighborhood. People were afraid to leave their homes and walked around in a state of constant fear. The thought of someone entering their home uninvited was enough to horrify even the most stoic of individuals. The fears that were provoked by these incidents would take time to heal, but the community banded together to support one another and prevent future incidents.
6. To tackle the problem, deal with the issue, confronting the problem, handle the crisis...
The team of experts worked tirelessly to tackle the problem at hand - a massive oil spill that threatened the delicate ecosystem of the surrounding area. They knew that time was of the essence and that every moment counted. They dealt with the issue head-on, confronting the problem with all the tools at their disposal. It was a crisis of epic proportions, but they were up to the challenge, handling it with grace and determination.
7. Gave the go ahead, recognize, authorized, approved...
The board of directors gave the go-ahead for the new project, recognizing its potential to revolutionize the industry. They authorized the funds needed to get the project off the ground, approving every detail with care and attention. It was a bold move, but one that they believed would pay off in spades.
8. Critical condition, the critical list, life-limiting, at death's door, terminally ill...
The patient was in critical condition, her name added to the critical list at the hospital. Her prognosis was grim, with a life-limiting illness that had brought her to death's door. She was terminally ill, with only days left to live. It was a devastating situation for her loved ones, who could do nothing but wait and hold her hand as she slipped away.
9. Did not keep his promise, won't break promise, backed out, went back on his promises...
John had promised to be at his daughter's recital, but he did not keep his promise. He had a million excuses, but none of them could justify his absence. He knew that he had let his daughter down, and he resolved never to break a promise again. He had once backed out of a commitment, but he would not make that mistake again. He would never go back on his promises, no matter how difficult the situation.