imposing

[im-poh-zing]

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

/ ɪmˈpəʊzɪŋ /

adjective

1. grand or impressive

   an imposing building

Other Word Forms

• imposingly adverb
• imposingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of imposing¹

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

Example Sentences

It is better for the wealthy with it being in place, because it provides cover—making it seem like they are subject to some big tax without actually imposing any burden.

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Physically imposing and extensively equipped with futuristic gadgets, they recategorize humanity from the supposed “most dangerous game” to overly confident meat.

Read more on Salon

“There is no justification for opening vast swaths of our oceans to leasing when existing leases remain largely unused, while imposing mounting environmental and economic costs on coastal communities,” they wrote.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The jihadists are simultaneously imposing a fuel blockade on Mali that has paralysed the landlocked Sahel country's economy.

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Hilarion's case was given added urgency this week when the Czech government said it was considering imposing sanctions on him in response to the allegations against him.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• commanding 
• grand 
• grandiose 
• imperial 
• magnificent 
• massive 
• monumental 
• noble 
• ominous 
• stately 
• striking 
• towering