imposing
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
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.
Imposing the tax requires the signoff of the state legislature and the governor.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025
But NAHB's Hughes said: "Imposing these tariffs under a 'national security' pretext ignores the importance housing plays to the physical and economic security of all Americans."
From Barron's • Oct. 14, 2025
Imposing “an entirely new command structure,” she attested, would “wreak operational havoc within MPD,” “create tremendous risk for the public,” and “inevitably lead to delays and confusion.”
From Slate • Aug. 15, 2025
Imposing harsher punishment on repeat offenders drove that support, far outweighing voters’ desire to increase overall prosecutions or deter future crime, the survey found.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 4, 2024
Imposing wrought-iron gates reached skyward, and beyond the gates was the college campus.
From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser
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.
