imposing 1 of 2

Definition of imposingnext
1
2

imposing

2 of 2

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
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
Three centuries later, the librarians of Alexandria took charge of the text, collating competing versions, marking doubtful lines, imposing a measure of order on the teeming verses. David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 And behind an imposing gate, in a beautiful house, the stakes feel just as high. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for imposing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imposing
Adjective
  • 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
  • Advertisement As in Curb, the list of guest stars is long, distinguished, and smartly deployed.
    Judy Berman, Time, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • This trail and several others with magnificent towering rain forest and coastal views can be found at this 2,484-acre state park a 10-minute drive south of Cannon Beach.
    Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2026
  • Sea-facing rooms have views of passing ships, cavorting dolphins and the magnificent sunsets.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • The fans are seldom satisfied, and the local media corps isn’t shy about levying criticism.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • For example, the EU and CPTPP countries already ban countries from levying duties on certain digital activities and content.
    Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • My wish also is that soloists cease all their vocal theatrics, which only distort and cheapen the solemn rendition of our anthem.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
  • The solemn observance honored the victims, survivors and first responders involved in the unprecedented search and recovery effort.
    Sergio Candido, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some shows were educational, some were pure, glorious junk food for the mind, and others became cultural touchstones.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 22 June 2026
  • The immortalisation of the World Cup’s greatest side The Brazil team that won the World Cup in 1970 is widely considered the best in international history, with the side immortalised by a glorious style of play, the advent of colour television and their blazing yellow shirts.
    Will Jeanes, New York Times, 20 June 2026
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
Adjective
  • This is a lovely, if rather decorous and reverent, tale of an illicit affair that’s unlikely to cause as much noise as Dhont’s last two films.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 22 May 2026
  • But such disagreements tended to be handled with the decorous language of diplomacy.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • What to Do on Bear Lake Merely looking at the water is only one way to enjoy majestic Bear Lake; it’s also known for incredible swimming, with several areas featuring a gradual slope that allows visitors to easily enter the water.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2026
  • Every one of the four tiers of this majestic ground, the highest so high and steep that some fans were covered in darkness as the floodlights didn’t reach them, was packed.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 17 June 2026

Cite this Entry

“Imposing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imposing. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on imposing

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster