- present participle of impose.
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.
Eisenkot, meanwhile, has sought to stabilize his coalition by imposing conditions he hopes will mollify his Jewish Israeli partners.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 7, 2026
Justice Neil Gorsuch similarly said that he was “struggling” to see how imposing strict scrutiny, rather than applying the less burdensome rational basis standard, would “be the end of the world.”
From Slate ● Nov. 4, 2026
Arteta values physicality in his Arsenal side and moving Konsa, who is physically imposing, to right-back would give opposition attackers a formidable challenge.
From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026
Since then, they have moved to reassert control by restricting demonstrations and imposing curfews in several cities.
From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2026
After six or seven blocks, the high-rise buildings became less imposing, less ornamental.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
