imposing
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- imposingly adverb
- imposingness noun
Etymology
Origin of imposing
Explanation
Imposing is an adjective reserved for those things that are impressive in the sense that they are large or serious, as in the US Capitol Building or even, say, a professional wrestler. When you look at the word imposing you see the word pose, which is useful in remembering what it means. A person who is imposing might strike a pose because they feel they have a lot to show. In fact, imposing is derived from the French verb imposer, which means "to inflict." Its French roots may inspire you to envision the enormous and expensive wigs worn by members of the French court. The larger the wig, the more imposing it was. And all the more reason to strike a pose!
Vocabulary lists containing imposing
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 3
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An "August" Assortment: Words Worthy of Honor
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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.
Emery immediately made an impact, imposing structure, clarity and belief on a Villa side that was once again flirting with relegation to guide them to a top‑seven finish and European qualification in his first season.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
Now he is back at his old ways, imposing new duties on the importation of brand-name pharmaceuticals and certain metals.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 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
My sisters and I had watched the program every Saturday afternoon, our gasbag of a collie imposing frequent intermissions.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
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.
