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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
And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025 The most imposing constructions, hidden by nature, towered above the tree canopy. Anna Lagos, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024
Verb
Quaid, who portrayed the imposing Cousin Eddie in the movie, said that Chase had trouble memorizing his dialogue while filming a particularly verbose breakdown scene near the climax of the film. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025 The imposing gothic details of Victor’s castle-laboratory—a portentous warrior-angel statue that comes to life, a screaming Medusa rondel carved in stone—vibrate with gloomy baroque majesty. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imposing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imposing
Adjective
  • Following compilation, our expert panel of distinguished cloud industry veterans conducts the evaluation and ranking process, with these leaders also empowered to suggest additional companies for consideration.
    Bessemer Venture Partners, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, distinguished Russian navy crew members assigned to the Yasen-M-class cruise missile submarine Krasnoyarsk were awarded medals and promoted to higher military ranks.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Porsche calls it an e-turbo, and the whole magnificent setup a T-hybrid.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • On a quest to break the spell, Sophie climbs aboard Howl’s magnificent moving castle and into a new life of wonder and adventure.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Important for the Jaguars is that at least 11 games every year are played in jurisdictions with no or low-income tax levying states.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps that should be a solemn oath for all AI makers.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • At any rate, those are the types of academics who populate After the Hunt, Luca Guadagnino’s cartoonishly solemn drama, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This attention to detail was a big reason Bazaar Meat had a glorious decade-plus run at what was the SLS and later became the Sahara.
    Andy Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Yes, that was a glorious time, but every season has a degree of merit.
    Will Harris, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For all the talk of conflicting values, the Tesla Diner has assimilated effortlessly into the local custom of charging fries separately from the burger.
    Joe Joyce, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Most batteries in wireless baby monitors are not long-lasting and require ample time for charging.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Julie Rotblatt Amrany got the flying ponytail right and delivered a decorous portrayal that was well received.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The cost of parties, marketing, shipping, insurance, and the decorous administration of nearly five hundred sales a year only ever drifts one way.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Guests can also spend time at the 6,480-square-foot garden restored through research into historical plant species, including two majestic centuries-old olive trees.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
  • How To See The Manatees There are several ways to see the majestic sea cows in the Manatee Capital of the World.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Imposing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imposing. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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