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.
Jobe is a different type of player to Jude, sitting deeper in the midfield, but is as physically imposing while still being good on the ball.
From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026
Anderson, 25, is a sturdy 6 feet tall and one of the biggest players in the NWSL, making her an imposing presence in goal.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 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
Towering over the threadbare lawn, Omeltchenko worked on what was the seat of the regional administration -- an imposing white stone Stalinist-era building almost completely razed by Russian strikes last year.
From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2026
She would have recognized it even with her eyes closed, but there could be no mistaking the imposing, black-clad figure who stood before her.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
