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Synonyms

imposing

American  
[im-poh-zing] / ɪmˈpoʊ zɪŋ /

adjective

  1. very impressive because of great size, stately appearance, dignity, elegance, etc..

    Notre Dame, Rheims, and other imposing cathedrals of France.
    Synonyms:
    august, grand, lofty, majestic, dignified
imposing British  
/ ɪmˈpəʊzɪŋ /

adjective

  1. grand or impressive

    an imposing building
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • imposingly adverb
  • imposingness noun

Etymology

Origin of imposing

First recorded in 1645–55; impose + -ing 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed an executive order imposing new requirements on AI firms working with the state.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

She had 16 in a lower-scoring performance against Texas on Friday, but her imposing defense and ability to move as fluidly as a guard make her a matchup headache for any opponent.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

With regard to pharmaceutical products from the U.K., the White House pointed to a recently concluded trade agreement imposing 10% tariffs.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Winkleman added that cruise lines typically have a long list of clauses in their passenger contracts that address any number of scenarios, from changing itineraries with little notice to, yes, imposing a fuel surcharge.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

A few avenues to the west, Model T automobiles delivered well-dressed ladies and gentlemen to the doors of imposing three-story brick and stone homes.

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.