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imposing

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verb

present participle of impose

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
Chris Davis For a few seasons, Orioles first baseman Chris Davis was one of the more imposing hitters in the American League. Paul McCardell, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2024 High in the Central Coast Mountains of British Columbia, the shadowy contours of more imposing peaks rise behind her. John Briley, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024
Verb
Head to Mill Creek Lake to kayak or fish for bass, bluegill, crappie, and trout in a sunny spot that’s surrounded by imposing cliffs and a dense forest. Casey Barber, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025 These innovations enable companies to balance cost savings with employee experience, rather than imposing rigid RTO mandates that drive attrition. Solange Charas, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imposing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imposing
Adjective
  • The research was designed to capture a look at much of the world, said study lead and report contributor Dr. Byron Johnson, distinguished professor of the social sciences at Baylor in Waco, Texas.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Only this season for Valladolid has proved anything but distinguished.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ashford Castle – Ireland Originating from the 13th century, the magnificent Ashford Castle has a rich history, evolving from a medieval fortress to a grand luxury retreat adorned with antiques and artwork.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Inside, 16 relatively small pistons (92 mm) fire off in a magnificent short-stroke (78.55 mm) scream at 9,000 rpm.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Far from solemn, the atmosphere has turned into a party of thousands.
    Katie Primm, NBC news, 9 May 2025
  • Over the decades, observance of V-E Day in the West has assumed a more muted, solemn tone.
    Noah Rothman, National Review, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • There’s enough glorious weirdness threaded throughout this peanut-butter-meets-chocolate combination of Judd Apatow-type set-ups and the kind of comedy that results in Robinson berating himself with a bar of soap in his mouth to justify a lot.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2025
  • Which is what makes David’s gesture so odd and so glorious.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Riders always have access to the entire phone screen and the charging port or audio jack.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • An innovative cooling system design ensures uniform heat removal from cells and busbars, which, combined with charging optimization algorithms, enables ultra-fast charging capabilities.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, they are selected and rearranged to form a narrative of gradual debasement: a semantic descent from the decorous to the vulgar, often ending with crude references to the body.
    Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
  • Aside from a series of gruesome martyr scenes frescoed on the interior wall of the second ring in the late 16th century, the decor reflects late Imperial taste for decorous abstraction and costly materials.
    The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The majestic photo of the pair is just one moment caught in time.
    Amanda Kooser, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
  • There are no closing hours at the Colorado park, so visitors can make their way to Chasm View Overlook, Dragon Point Overlook, or Sunset View Overlook on the South Rim; or Chasm View Nature Trail or Kneeling Camel Overlook on the North Rim to get a glimpse of the majestic night sky.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • Each year, around July 4, the French carry out a dignified ritual to change the American flag at the tomb of the Marquis de Lafayette in the Picpus Historical Cemetery.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
  • Notably, Yerba Madre pays at least 25% above the conventional market price for yerba mate so that every farmer working with them earns a dignified income.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Imposing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imposing. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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