1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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
Example 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
Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
The most imposing constructions, hidden by nature, towered above the tree canopy.
—Anna Lagos, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024
Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Watch Luca on Disney+ A Bug's Life Shrink to insect size in this 1998 film that depicts the battle of an ant named Flik (Dave Foley) and his misfit friends against an imposing grasshopper named Hopper (Kevin Spacey), who wants to take over their home.
—Sydni Ellis, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imposing
Adjective
And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
The most imposing constructions, hidden by nature, towered above the tree canopy.
—Anna Lagos, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024
Verb
Across the entirety of Patagonia’s Valdivian forests, explorers can encounter captivating birdlife, endemic amphibians and some of the earth’s most fascinating ungulates, many of which are largely ignored in favor of the region’s more imposing animals.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Watch Luca on Disney+ A Bug's Life Shrink to insect size in this 1998 film that depicts the battle of an ant named Flik (Dave Foley) and his misfit friends against an imposing grasshopper named Hopper (Kevin Spacey), who wants to take over their home.
—Sydni Ellis, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imposing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imposing
Adjective
-
Each year, Daniel and HFR present distinguished awards to individuals who are leading innovators in their respective fields.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Storied military career After graduating from North Carolina A&T in 1963 with a degree in engineering physics, Joseph McNeil was commissioned as a second lieutenant through ROTC and began a distinguished Air Force career, according to his university.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
All of them have been magnificent.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Sep. 2025
-
All of them have been magnificent.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Important for the Jaguars is that at least 11 games every year are played in jurisdictions with no or low-income tax levying states.—
Nathan Goldman,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Cape Town overflows with history and culture, from the colorful houses and Cape Malay heritage of Bo-Kaap to the solemn shores of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Perhaps that should be a solemn oath for all AI makers.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The combination of Kraft and Heinz, wed with glorious self-praise in 2015, will be legally rent asunder.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
This even includes Queen Bey’s glorious hair.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
There's been widespread internet speculation that the brand might end up charging for its RideSync services, but CFMoto has dispelled those rumors as well.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Governor Spencer Cox stated that prosecutors have three days to formally file the charging documents, with an announcement anticipated early next week.—
Amanda Castro
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Still, Julie Rotblatt Amrany got the flying ponytail right and delivered a decorous portrayal that was well received.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
30 Aug. 2025
-
The cost of parties, marketing, shipping, insurance, and the decorous administration of nearly five hundred sales a year only ever drifts one way.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
But guests also have a chance to get up close with these majestic animals.—
Jennifer Kester,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The honor fell to Rival Son’s majestic vocalist Jay Buchanan, who took the stage barefoot, in a maroon suit, and proceeded to devour the angry rock anthem.—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Imposing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imposing. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share