imposition

noun

im·​po·​si·​tion ˌim-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce imposition (audio)
1
: something imposed: such as
a
: an excessive or uncalled-for requirement or burden
b
: levy, tax
2
: the act of imposing
3
4
: the order of arrangement of imposed pages

Examples of imposition in a Sentence

Your kids can stay with me the night you're away—it's really not an imposition. the imposition of a life sentence on the defendant the imposition of a tax on liquor
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Press freedom groups rank China as the world's top jailer of journalists, with 112 journalists and media workers currently behind bars, alongside another eight in Hong Kong in the wake of Beijing's imposition of a national security law there in 2020. Ashish Valentine, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025 Such a broad imposition of tariffs would have been a fiercer move than any Joe Biden contemplated. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025 While the law allows Congress to reintroduce legislation challenging the president’s imposition of tariffs every six months, the resolution in the House will block those movements until next year. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 17 Sep. 2025 In Maryland, a 2024 law limits the imposition of excessive rental fees, including fees charged for rental applications, late fees, pet fees, lost key fees, lock out fees, storage unit fees, internet or cable fees, and parking fees. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imposition

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of imposition was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Imposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imposition. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

imposition

noun
im·​po·​si·​tion ˌim-pə-ˈzish-ən How to pronounce imposition (audio)
1
: the act of imposing
2
a
: something (as a tax) that is imposed
b
: a demand or request that is very troublesome

More from Merriam-Webster on imposition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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