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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
Chris Davis For a few seasons, Orioles first baseman Chris Davis was one of the more imposing hitters in the American League. Paul McCardell, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2024 High in the Central Coast Mountains of British Columbia, the shadowy contours of more imposing peaks rise behind her. John Briley, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024
Verb
Head to Mill Creek Lake to kayak or fish for bass, bluegill, crappie, and trout in a sunny spot that’s surrounded by imposing cliffs and a dense forest. Casey Barber, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025 These innovations enable companies to balance cost savings with employee experience, rather than imposing rigid RTO mandates that drive attrition. Solange Charas, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imposing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imposing
Adjective
  • Today, that distinguished tradition continues, with the distillery's current leadership or their cadre of seasoned master tasters personally vetting these casks.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • It’s been a long time since Florida’s university system was put to such disgrace as the Board of Governors did Tuesday in rejecting the distinguished scholar Santa Ono as the lone finalist for president of the University of Florida.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • In four days his radical, magnificent Broadway reworking of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd. will be competing for seven Tony Awards, including one for his direction, one each for his two stars Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, and one for Best Musical Revival.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 5 June 2025
  • This affluent neighborhood is known for its lush green spaces, magnificent architecture and proximity to some of London's most popular attractions.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Only the buzz of Israeli drones overhead filled the solemn silence.
    Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 7 June 2025
  • The score becomes grand and syrupy whenever there’s a big emotional revelation; characters deliver solemn soliloquies on the orderly beauty of math.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • For contemporary art with cocktails and pizza, head to the glorious gardens at the Four Seasons hotel with an ongoing sculpture exhibition and a lovely terrace restaurant. 3.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • The Park Ji-hoon cameo K-dramas have a glorious tradition of random actor cameos shoehorned into the main plot in creative ways.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • Riders always have access to the entire phone screen and the charging port or audio jack.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Do some research to see what people in your area are charging to make sure your price fits and can recoup your upfront costs.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • More decorous versions simply excluded Jews, Blacks, and others to create those ethnic enclaves Vance decries in the form of elite institutions from country clubs to, formerly, Congress and the courts.
    Rebecca Solnit August 23, Literary Hub, 23 Aug. 2024
  • Instead, they are selected and rearranged to form a narrative of gradual debasement: a semantic descent from the decorous to the vulgar, often ending with crude references to the body.
    Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • With their actions and proposals, McMahon and the GOP lawmakers have underscored the majestic hypocrisy of the student debt debate.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
  • Intelligent talking animals ruled by the majestic King Aslan, the great lion of Narnia, are the inspiration for much symbolism and interpretation throughout this two-hour journey.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Now, the Redditor is wondering if his response to his sister’s previous treatment toward his dog could be dignified.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • Mobile home parks offer an affordable and dignified housing option There are dozens of mobile home communities in Emma, a hilly wooded community west of Asheville.
    Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 2 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Imposing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imposing. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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