Synonyms Examples Word Origin
See more synonyms for imposing on Thesaurus.com very impressive because of great size, stately appearance, dignity, elegance, etc.: Notre Dame, Rheims, and other imposing cathedrals of France. Show More
Origin of imposing First recorded in
1645–55; impose +
-ing2 Related forms im·pos·ing·ly , adverb im·pos·ing·ness , noun verb (used with object), im·posed, im·pos·ing. to lay on or set as something to be borne, endured, obeyed, fulfilled, paid, etc.: to impose taxes. to put or set by or as if by authority: to impose one's personal preference on others. to obtrude or thrust (oneself, one's company, etc.) upon others. to pass or palm off fraudulently or deceptively: He imposed his pretentious books on the public. Printing to lay (type pages, plates, etc.) in proper order on an imposing stone or the like and secure in a chase for printing. to lay on or inflict, as a penalty. Archaic to put or place on something, or in a particular place. Obsolete to lay on (the hands) ceremonially, as in confirmation or ordination. Show More
verb (used without object), im·posed, im·pos·ing. to make an impression on the mind; impose one's or its authority or influence. to obtrude oneself or one's requirements, as upon others: Are you sure my request doesn't impose? to presume, as upon patience or good nature. Show More
impose on /upon , to thrust oneself offensively upon others; intrude. to take unfair advantage of; misuse (influence, friendship, etc.). to defraud; cheat; deceive: A study recently showed the shocking number of confidence men that impose on the public. Show More
Origin of impose 1475–85; late Middle English <
Middle French imposer, equivalent to
im- im-1 +
poser to
pose1 ; see also
pose2 Related forms im·pos·a·ble , adjective im·pos·er , noun o·ver·im·pose , verb (used with object), o·ver·im·posed, o·ver·im·pos·ing. pre·im·pose , verb (used with object), pre·im·posed, pre·im·pos·ing. re·im·pose , verb, re·im·posed, re·im·pos·ing. sub·im·posed , adjective un·im·posed , adjective well-im·posed , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for imposing noble ,
grandiose ,
stately ,
striking ,
commanding ,
magnificent ,
imperial ,
monumental ,
massive ,
grand ,
towering ,
ominous ,
overwhelming ,
exciting ,
moving ,
dignified ,
stirring ,
august ,
big ,
effective Examples from the Web for imposing Contemporary Examples of imposing Submission is set in a France seven years from now that is dominated by a Muslim president intent on imposing Islamic law.
Pyongyang has given the Obama administration no choice but to retaliate now by imposing sanctions or even an embargo.
The floor-to-ceiling Texas flag, the single most imposing feature of the room, began to rise.
What he fails to realize is that he is imposing the same urban title on his family in retaliation.
I walked my dog in a way that made clear to him that he was imposing .
Historical Examples of imposing He did not believe in imposing an uncompensated burden upon any man.
Mallyan's Spout is the most imposing , having a drop of about 76 feet.
They could not help smiling at Fritz as he frisked about in his imposing rose-collar.
Never had Christian war assumed a more splendid or imposing aspect.
It is insane, admirable, imposing ; and it makes one feel proud.
British Dictionary definitions for imposing grand or impressive an imposing building Show More
Derived Forms imposingly , adverb imposingness , noun verb (usually foll by on or upon ) (tr) to establish as something to be obeyed or complied with; enforce to impose a tax on the people to force (oneself, one's presence, etc) on another or others; obtrude (intr) to take advantage, as of a person or quality to impose on someone's kindness (tr) printing to arrange pages so that after printing and folding the pages will be in the correct order (tr) to pass off deceptively; foist to impose a hoax on someone (tr) (of a bishop or priest) to lay (the hands) on the head of a candidate for certain sacraments Show More
Derived Forms imposable , adjective imposer , noun Word Origin for impose C15: from Old French imposer, from Latin impōnere to place upon, from pōnere to place, set
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
Word Origin and History for imposing adj. "that impresses by appearance or manner," 1786, from present participle of impose (v.). Related: Imposingly .
Show More
v. late 14c., "to lay (a crime, etc.) to the account of," from Old French imposer "put, place; impute, charge, accuse" (c.1300), from assimilated form of in- "into, in" (see in- (2)) + poser "put, place" (see pose (v.1)). Sense of "to lay on as a burden" first recorded 1580s. Related: Imposed ; imposing .
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Houellebecq’s Incendiary Novel Imagines France With a Muslim President