imposing

adjective

im·​pos·​ing im-ˈpō-ziŋ 

: impressive in size, bearing, dignity, or grandeur

imposingly

im-ˈpō-ziŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• august
• dignified
• distingué
• distinguished
• portly
• solemn
• staid
• stately

Choose the Right Synonym for imposing

grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, grandiose mean large and impressive.

grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

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

a majestic waterfall

grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience

grandiose hydroelectric projects

but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.

grandiose schemes

Examples of imposing in a Sentence

He's an imposing man with a powerful voice.

the president of the bank is exactly the sort of imposing figure that one might expect

Recent Examples on the Web

The most imposing constructions, hidden by nature, towered above the tree canopy. —Anna Lagos, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024

The Foundling certainly sounds like a more imposing leader in the long term than the country’s autocrat-of-the-day, right? —Scott Tobias, Vulture, 17 Mar. 2024

Chris Davis For a few seasons, Orioles first baseman Chris Davis was one of the more imposing hitters in the American League. —Paul McCardell, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2024

High in the Central Coast Mountains of British Columbia, the shadowy contours of more imposing peaks rise behind her. —John Briley, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

imposing

adjective

im·​pos·​ing

im-ˈpō-ziŋ

: impressive in size, dignity, or magnificence

imposingly adverb