IMPOSING Synonyms: 173 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'imposing' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of imposing are grandiose , grand , magnificent , majestic , and stately . While all these words mean "large and impressive," imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness. // an imposing edifice

Q: When would 'grand' be a good substitute for 'imposing'?

In some situations, the words grand and imposing are roughly equivalent. However, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity. // a grand staircase

Q: When is it sensible to use 'grandiose' instead of 'imposing'?

Although the words grandiose and imposing have much in common, grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience, but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration. // grandiose hydroelectric projects // grandiose schemes

Q: When can 'magnificent' be used instead of 'imposing'?

The meanings of magnificent and imposing largely overlap; however, magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste. // magnificent paintings

Q: How does the word 'majestic' relate to other synonyms for 'imposing'?

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

Q: When could 'stately' be used to replace 'imposing'?

While the synonyms stately and imposing are close in meaning, stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement. // the stately procession

imposing 1 of 2

adjective

im-ˈpō-ziŋ

Definition of imposing next

as in distinguished

having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner the president of the bank is exactly the sort of imposing figure that one might expect

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in magnificent

large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception the corporation's imposing headquarters were designed by one of the nation's cutting-edge architects

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

imposing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of impose

as in levying

to establish or apply as a charge or penalty that state now imposes a fine for text messaging while driving

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective imposing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of imposing are grandiose, grand, magnificent, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When would grand be a good substitute for imposing?

In some situations, the words grand and imposing are roughly equivalent. However, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

When is it sensible to use grandiose instead of imposing?

Although the words grandiose and imposing have much in common, grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience, but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.

grandiose hydroelectric projects

grandiose schemes

When can magnificent be used instead of imposing?

The meanings of magnificent and imposing largely overlap; however, magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How does the word majestic relate to other synonyms for imposing?

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

a majestic waterfall

When could stately be used to replace imposing?

While the synonyms stately and imposing are close in meaning, stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of imposing

Adjective

But five-piece Lelek, adorned with markings historically designed to fend off threats from the Ottoman Empire, still make for a formidable, imposing, and curiously bewitching presence. —

Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 11 May 2026 Since Jordan’s departure in 1998, the Bulls haven’t come remotely close to that kind of success, and performing cultural bypass surgery on the current roster without acquiring a superstar only will make Graham’s task more imposing. —

Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

Verb

Salonen guided the Colburn Orchestra with flexible authority, imposing order or inciting wildness as the moment required. —

Alex Ross, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Incumbents have run on the perception that the transplants who have moved into working-class neighborhoods are pushing residents out while imposing their politics on more moderate communities of color. —

Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for imposing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imposing

Adjective

Arlington received a distinguished visitor Saturday as the King of Jordan stopped by during the city's World Cup festivities.

— Doug Myers, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Liu, then a Tencent distinguished scientist (a senior title the Chinese tech giant gives to elite researchers) leading the company’s development of its Hunyuan AI model from scratch, saw where the industry was heading.

— Zinnia Lee, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

In the quarter-final, underdogs North Korea took a shock 3-0 lead over Portugal, but Eusebio inspired arguably the greatest comeback in World Cup history with a magnificent display, scoring four of Portugal’s five goals.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Rafael Devers homered twice and drove in four runs as the San Francisco Giants beat the Atlanta Braves 5-0 on Saturday night behind Logan Webb's magnificent pitching.

— CBS News, CBS News, 27 June 2026

Definition of magnificent

Adjective

Ureña, a 22-year-old right-hander who has emerged as another potential ace, speaks of Soriano with a giddy amusement mixed with a solemn respect for how the starter has survived in the big leagues.

— Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Dozens of firefighters lined the street in a solemn salute to their fallen colleagues.

— Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 29 June 2026

Definition of solemn

Adjective

With its glorious views and picturesque harbor, Whitby is the antithesis of gothic horror.

— Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026
The fans who decide to follow their country to a glorious or bitter end, irrespective of the cost or the risk of aggravating employers?

— Phil Hay, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Definition of glorious

Verb

Other popular dating services aren’t charging for AI matchmaking features.

— Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Prosecutors allege prolonged neglect According to charging documents cited by WNEM-TV5, prosecutors allege Casper was immobile, was not provided proper medical care or adequate nutrition, and was forced to live in unsafe conditions before his death.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 June 2026

Definition of charging

Adjective

El Tri won its first knockout match at a World Cup since 1986, beating Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday night at the majestic Azteca Stadium packed with 80,824 fans.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
The North Main location is located in a majestic old north side landmark, a two-story red-orange brick building built in 1913 as a city police substation not long after Fort Worth annexed the former separate city of North Fort Worth.

— Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026