imposing

adjective

im·​pos·​ing im-ˈpō-ziŋ 

: impressive in size, bearing, dignity, or grandeur

an imposing building

imposingly

im-ˈpō-ziŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of imposing

• distinguished
• solemn
• decorous
• dignified
• aristocratic
• stately
• elegant

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

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

Wembanyama and the Spurs look far more imposing than Jokić and those Nuggets did two years ago. — Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 13 May 2026

One of the people listening was an imposing but soft-spoken guy dressed in black, with a baseball cap nearly covering his eyes. — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

In person, Rowbottom is striking — tall, platinum blond, soft-spoken — though less imposing than carefully self-possessed. — Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026

Based on how Redick was setting the stage on Sunday afternoon, the Thunder are an even more imposing challenge than those Nuggets, who went on to win the NBA title. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 3 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for imposing

• ankylosing
• bulldozing
• composing
• deposing
• disclosing
• disposing
• enclosing
• exposing
• foreclosing
• inclosing
• opposing
• proposing

Kids Definition

imposing

adjective

im·​pos·​ing

im-ˈpō-ziŋ

: impressive in size, dignity, or magnificence

imposingly adverb