imposing
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived 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.
England, helped by Emilio Gay's half-century on debut and more New Zealand dropped catches, steadily built what looked to be an imposing lead.
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
Where the film becomes truly interesting and innovative is also where its narrative’s most imposing roadblock lies.
From Salon • Jun. 4, 2026
In person, Rowbottom is striking — tall, platinum blond, soft-spoken — though less imposing than carefully self-possessed.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026
NCAR, which is housed in an imposing Brutalist building that dominates the skyline in Boulder, a university town, is a world leader in the development of weather and climate models.
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
The first stop was Nishuane, the elementary school, an imposing and forbidding structure of dark red brick.
From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
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.
