imposing

1 of 2

adjective

im·​pos·​ing im-ˈpō-ziŋ How to pronounce imposing (audio)
Synonyms of imposing
: impressive in size, bearing, dignity, or grandeur
an imposing building
imposingly
im-ˈpō-ziŋ-lē How to pronounce imposing (audio)
adverb

imposing

2 of 2

present participle of impose

Synonyms of imposing

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Adjective

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Choose the Right Synonym for imposing

grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, grandiose mean large and impressive.

grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience

grandiose hydroelectric projects

but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.

grandiose schemes

Examples of imposing in a Sentence

Adjective He's an imposing man with a powerful voice. the president of the bank is exactly the sort of imposing figure that one might expect
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
When houses squeeze into their lots, vehicles grow more imposing, and storefronts battle for attention, the problem is no longer simply whether something is beautiful or ugly. — Debbie Millman, Time, 18 Aug. 2026 Propaganda posters from the era from both the democratic United States and the Axis powers surround the imposing, heavy-duty boots, covered in animal hair and insulation. — Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 The source of Soloviev’s angst lay in part in growing up with a father who was one of the more imposing, cantankerous figures in the history of New York real estate — a demographic with stiff competition. — Reeves Wiedeman, Curbed, 22 June 2026 There’s Chateau de Fère and Les Crayères, which is very imposing and old-fashioned; a couple of very nice funky little boutique hotels (including one owned by the Selosse family who make amazing, and amazingly priced, grower Champagne) and lots of good chambres d'hôtes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for imposing

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1786, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imposing was in 1786

Rhymes for imposing

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imposing
imposingly
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Cite this Entry

“Imposing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imposing. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

imposing

adjective
im·​pos·​ing
im-ˈpō-ziŋ
: impressive in size, dignity, or magnificence
imposingly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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