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.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli says he still has a lot to prove despite the imposing championship lead he has established after just six races this season.
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
Canada is joining more countries that are imposing or considering age restrictions on social-media use.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
Where the film becomes truly interesting and innovative is also where its narrative’s most imposing roadblock lies.
From Salon • Jun. 4, 2026
Costume designer Amy Parris built lifts into Bower’s shoes to help him look taller and the team added padding under his arms to emphasize Vecna’s more imposing stance.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026
Père Lafontant—père is the French word for “father” or “priest”—was a small but imposing man with a forceful manner, especially when he spoke of life in the central plateau.
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
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.
