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

Texas, where Republicans control every statewide office and both chambers of the legislature, is one of only eight states that does not impose an income tax. —Patrick Gleason, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

As some provisions of the JCPOA were set to expire in October 2023, former President Joe Biden's administration imposed new sanctions on Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 19 June 2025

That piece, Parker said, is meant to symbolize the constraints imposed on Black men. —Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025

Now that Trump has sidestepped Congress and claimed the right to impose tariffs at will, Woldenberg is taking on the White House directly. —John Cassidy, New Yorker, 9 June 2025

Phrases Containing impose

• impose (on or upon)