imposing

adjective

im·pos·ing | \ im-ˈpō-ziŋ

Definition of imposing

: impressive in size, bearing, dignity, or grandeur

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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

The mural depicts Spencer-Young in a black-and-white flower print trench coach and mustard yellow hat, looking confident and composed – and very imposing – against a bright blue background. — USA TODAY, "Arthur Ashe, missing Marilyn, pacifier-eating pup: News from around our 50 states," 21 June 2019 Most people pass it by, absorbed by the more imposing palm trees. — Adrian Higgins, Washington Post, "A new rubber source could save water, preserve rain forests and even prevent allergic reactions," 12 June 2019 Instead of re-signing Butler to a five-year, $190 million max extension, Philadelphia has assembled perhaps the most imposing front line in the league. — Andrew Sharp And Ben Golliver, SI.com, "Does Al Horford Make Philly The Eastern Conference Favorite? | Open Floor Podcast," 1 July 2019 But that gave Warren, who has been steadily rising in the polls, an opening to show off her policy ideas without the temptation of tangling with her most imposing rivals. — Liz Goodwin, BostonGlobe.com, "Warren shows off policy chops but rivals decline to hit her on packed debate stage," 27 June 2019 Tiger sharks are among the most imposing predators of tropical seas. — Joel Sartore, National Geographic, "Giant tiger sharks eat backyard birds, surprising study reveals," 21 May 2019 At 5ft 8in, Owen was never the most imposing striker on the pitch. — SI.com, "Top 30 Premier League Scorers in History," 4 June 2019 This is a 1920s Tudor by the architect Hal Thomson, who designed some of the most imposing residences in Dallas. — Barbara King, House Beautiful, "Cathy Kincaid on Decorating a Traditional Dallas House," 24 Mar. 2015 Past this store, at the end of Takkeciler Caddesi, in the textile district, is one of the bazaar's most beautiful and most imposing outposts. — Olivia Wells, Town & Country, "Secrets of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar," 14 Jan. 2013

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'imposing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

27 Sep 2019

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Time Traveler for imposing

The first known use of imposing was in 1786

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More Definitions for imposing

imposing

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of imposing

: very large or impressive

See the full definition for imposing in the English Language Learners Dictionary

imposing

adjective

im·pos·ing | \ im-ˈpō-ziŋ\

Kids Definition of imposing

: impressive because of size, dignity, or magnificence The Army of Glinda the Good looked very grand and imposing …— L. Frank Baum, The Marvelous Land of Oz