IMPOSING Synonyms: 173 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'imposing' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of imposing are grandiose , grand , magnificent , majestic , and stately . While all these words mean "large and impressive," imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness. // an imposing edifice

Q: When would 'grand' be a good substitute for 'imposing'?

In some situations, the words grand and imposing are roughly equivalent. However, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity. // a grand staircase

Q: When is it sensible to use 'grandiose' instead of 'imposing'?

Although the words grandiose and imposing have much in common, grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience, but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration. // grandiose hydroelectric projects // grandiose schemes

Q: When can 'magnificent' be used instead of 'imposing'?

The meanings of magnificent and imposing largely overlap; however, magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste. // magnificent paintings

Q: How does the word 'majestic' relate to other synonyms for 'imposing'?

Majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur. // a majestic waterfall

Q: When could 'stately' be used to replace 'imposing'?

While the synonyms stately and imposing are close in meaning, stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement. // the stately procession

imposing 1 of 2

adjective

im-ˈpō-ziŋ

Definition of imposing next

as in distinguished

having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner the president of the bank is exactly the sort of imposing figure that one might expect

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in magnificent

large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception the corporation's imposing headquarters were designed by one of the nation's cutting-edge architects

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

imposing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of impose

as in levying

to establish or apply as a charge or penalty that state now imposes a fine for text messaging while driving

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective imposing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of imposing are grandiose, grand, magnificent, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When would grand be a good substitute for imposing?

In some situations, the words grand and imposing are roughly equivalent. However, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

When is it sensible to use grandiose instead of imposing?

Although the words grandiose and imposing have much in common, grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience, but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.

grandiose hydroelectric projects

grandiose schemes

When can magnificent be used instead of imposing?

The meanings of magnificent and imposing largely overlap; however, magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How does the word majestic relate to other synonyms for imposing?

Majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

When could stately be used to replace imposing?

While the synonyms stately and imposing are close in meaning, stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of imposing

Adjective

Utah has one of the most imposing front sevens in the country, and Baylor continued to play smashmouth football and dominate at the line of scrimmage. —

Michael Haag, Dallas News, 9 Sep. 2023 Perhaps the most imposing structure in the old town is the largest brick church in the world, the Basilica of St. Mary. —

Danuta Hamlin, Fox News, 1 Sep. 2023

Verb

This is realized by not just imposing fees but configuring how fees are paid – flat rates, usage over time, charges based on emissions or time of day, etc… There are dozens of ways this can be configured. —

Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 Unions, worker advocates and many Democratic officials have criticized Amazon for allegedly imposing production quotas on workers that force them to work at a dangerous pace and develop injuries. —

Daniel Wiessner, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for imposing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imposing

Adjective

The distinguished field has its share of bad actors who have made news with their professional or personal wrongdoings.

Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 25 Dec. 2024
Each portion of the cannabis value chain was organized in its own section, clearly marked, and well distinguished from the others.

Andrew DeAngelo, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024