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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
The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing. Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025 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
Verb
Meanwhile, for years, state legislatures have been passing laws that seek to reshape academic labor on the front end, by gutting funding for hires and imposing new criteria for appointment and retention. Time, 1 Oct. 2025 There are several key sites to explore, like Le Castella, an imposing Medieval fortress on the sea; Santa Severina’s Byzantine architecture and Norman Castle; and Capo Colonna Archaeological Park, known for its Greek and Roman temples and ruins. Gary Portuesi, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imposing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imposing
Adjective
  • With signature aesthetics and luminous sound quality, Edelweiss pianos have emerged as iconic centerpieces in today’s most distinguished interiors.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Alan Hastings, a distinguished professor emeritus at UC Davis, described Hullar as the UC Davis chancellor most widely criticized by faculty members.
    Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • All of them have been magnificent.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Get the magnificent biscuit, served in a puddle of garlic honey with cultured butter ($6).
    Peter Cameron, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Following an outpouring of anger by passengers on social media, lawmakers in Canada and the United States criticized airlines last year, including Air Canada, for levying additional fees on luggage and seat assignments in certain economy classes.
    Reuters, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Officials have invested time and money into setting up legal cannabis programs; by levying taxes on legal marijuana sales, states have turned recreational cannabis into a windfall.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Banners hang from the eaves of many houses, a solemn reminder to mark where residents were either killed or kidnapped.
    NBC News, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Yom Kippur is the most solemn Jewish holiday, marking the end of the 10 Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Brandon Elliott, aka Mullet Review, who's known around the Queen City for his mom-and-pop restaurant reviews, goofy T-shirts, and glorious blond locks, recently won the 2025 USA Adult Mullet Championship.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, one of the most successful 100-meter sprinters in history, was also in attendance, and Serena Williams crowned her with a glorious headpiece from Tiffany’s, too.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Then Cason Wallace came charging in from the weak side, gathered the ball in the air out of bounds and tossed this up over the backboard.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The Department of Justice is charging Isbell with mailing threatening communications.
    Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • California native of the week: California geranium (Geranium californium) is a perennial endemic to the Sierra Nevada that grows into a one-foot mound bearing flowers in white, pink, or lavender with large, highly decorous palmate leaves.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The hearings are usually decorous affairs, where anger is routine but controlled.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The trailer features stunning visuals of forests and mountain vistas, with massive trees that stay majestic even when they are being chopped down.
    Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Without them, Judge’s majestic home run wouldn’t have mattered.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Imposing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imposing. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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