Synonyms of impose

impose 1 of 2

verb (1)

im-ˈpōz 

as in to levy

to establish or apply as a charge or penalty

that state now imposes a fine for text messaging while driving

Synonyms & Similar Words

• levy
• charge
• fine
• put
• assess
• exact
• lay
• penalize
• inflict
• compel
• extort
• tax
• force
• excise
• coerce
• dock
• wrest
• gouge
• wring
• wreak
• reimpose
• squeeze
• mulct
• bleed
• skin
• milk
• shake down
• set
• reapply
• relay
• fleece

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• diminish
• lessen
• remit
• abate
• ignore
• forgive
• release
• disregard
• excuse
• condone
• pardon
• gloss (over)
• gloze (over)

impose (on or upon)

2 of 2

verb (2)

as in to use

to take unfair advantage of

thanks for offering your own bed, but I wouldn't dream of imposing on you and will be perfectly happy on the couch

Synonyms & Similar Words

• use
• play (on or upon)
• exploit
• abuse
• leverage
• manipulate
• walk on
• capitalize (on)
• trade on
• cash in (on)
• milk
• pimp
• work
• cheat
• mistreat
• jerk around
• stick
• skin
• fleece
• overcharge
• soak
• bleed
• commercialize
• commodify

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of impose

Verb

But the Herald’s figures on teak imports reflect only consignments that were loaded and shipped from Myanmar after the sanctions were imposed. —Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

Montana does not ban texting and driving, and Missouri only imposes texting while driving rules on those who are under 21 years of age and commercial drivers. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

Jefferson County established a new wildland fire management program after voters decided in 2024 that the county could keep tax revenue beyond the limit imposed by the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. —Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025

While the Rhode Island order requires the federal government to deliver full November benefits immediately, Talwani has not yet ruled on whether to impose a similar mandate. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025

Phrases Containing impose

• impose (on or upon)