Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

imposing

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of imposing

1 having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner
  • The president of the bank is exactly the sort of imposing figure that one might expect.
Synonyms of imposing

august, dignified, distinguished, portly, solemn, staid, stately
Words Related to imposing

decorous, proper, seemly

grave, grim, sober, somber (or sombre)

aristocratic, elegant, elevated, handsome, lordly, magisterial, majestic, noble
Near Antonyms of imposing

coarse, crass, crude, improper, indecent, uncouth, unseemly, vulgar
Antonyms of imposing

flighty, frivolous, giddy, goofy, silly, undignified
2 large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception
  • The corporation's imposing headquarters were designed by one of the nation's cutting-edge architects.
Synonyms of imposing

august, baronial, epic, gallant, glorious, grand, grandiose, heroic (also heroical), imperial, magnificent, majestic, massive, monumental, noble, proud, regal, royal, splendid, stately
Words Related to imposing

colossal, monstrous, prodigious, stupendous, tremendous

kingly, lordly, princely, queenly

awesome, awful, cosmic (also cosmical), sublime, wondrous

formidable, impressive, prepossessing, redoubtable

apocalyptic (also apocalyptical), inflated, operatic, overblown, pompous

marvelous (or marvellous), superb, terrific, wonderful

extravagant, lavish, luxurious, opulent, palatial, palatine, sumptuous

gorgeous, resplendent, splendiferous

extraordinary, remarkable, sensational, striking

celestial, divine, heavenly
Near Antonyms of imposing

lowly, modest, unprepossessing

average, common, mediocre, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, second-rate

abject, mean, meretricious, shabby, sordid

insignificant, measly, paltry, petty, puny, trifling, trivial
Antonyms of imposing

humble, unheroic, unimposing, unimpressive

Synonym Discussion of imposing

grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, grandiose mean large and impressive. grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.
    • a grand staircase
magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.
    • magnificent paintings
imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.
    • an imposing edifice
stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.
    • the stately procession
majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.
    • a majestic waterfall
grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience
    • grandiose hydroelectric projects
but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.
    • grandiose schemes

Learn More about imposing

  1. See words that rhyme with imposing Dictionary: Definition of imposing Spanish Central: Translation of imposing Nglish: Translation of imposing for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of imposing for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up imposing? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games