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

In fact, the Sens could’ve benefitted from them being more imposing. —Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

At the heart of the property is the tahona, used to grind the agave used to make mezcal; this one is solar-powered though no less imposing. —Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Drafted in the second round, 50th overall, last year out of TCU, the physically imposing, 6-foot-6, 250-pound lefty debuted at the Single-A level in April. —Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025

Proposals ranged from turning the block into a public pavilion to adding a fabric facade around the current building to give it a less imposing look. —Andy Rose, CNN Money, 19 July 2025

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