imposing

adjective

im·​pos·​ing im-ˈpō-ziŋ How to pronounce imposing (audio)
: impressive in size, bearing, dignity, or grandeur
imposingly adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of imposing in a Sentence

He's an imposing man with a powerful voice. the president of the bank is exactly the sort of imposing figure that one might expect
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The most imposing constructions, hidden by nature, towered above the tree canopy. Anna Lagos, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024 The Foundling certainly sounds like a more imposing leader in the long term than the country’s autocrat-of-the-day, right? Scott Tobias, Vulture, 17 Mar. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for imposing 

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imposing was in 1786

Dictionary Entries Near imposing

Cite this Entry

“Imposing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imposing. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

imposing

adjective
im·​pos·​ing
im-ˈpō-ziŋ
: impressive in size, dignity, or magnificence
imposingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on imposing

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