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

Derived Forms

• imˈposingness, noun
• imˈposingly, adverb

Other Words From

• im·posing·ly adverb
• im·posing·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of imposing¹

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

Example Sentences

Trump kicked off a trade war in 2018 by imposing 25% tariffs on imports from China — including industrial machinery, cars, auto parts and television cameras.

From Los Angeles Times

Last year, as West African neighbours responded to the coup in Niger by imposing a trade blockade that paralysed uranium exports, other suppliers readily stepped into the breach.

From BBC

Both events reveal a pattern of external forces imposing political structures on Africa to serve their interests, heedless of the continent’s complex histories and diverse peoples.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether or not Trump follows through on his threats, they immediately sent shock waves through our trade networks and promise to ignite trade wars as countries respond to Trump’s tariffs by imposing their own tariffs.

From Salon

New legislation in Sacramento aims to address a rise in countertop cutters suffering an incurable and fatal disease by imposing new requirements on businesses, including safety training for workers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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