adj
Common
imposing
ihm-POH-zihng
Imposing (adj) means Impressive in size, appearance, or manner; commanding respect. Example: “He was a tall, imposing man with a deep voice.”
adj
1
Impressive in size, appearance, or manner; commanding respect.
"He was a tall, imposing man with a deep voice."
"The old castle looked imposing against the grey winter sky."
"Considerable remains of that terminus still exist, and it does not appear to have been a very imposing place."
— M. D. Greville and G. O. Holt, Railway Development in Manchester—1 (1957)
"The cathedral's imposing facade towers over the square."
"He had an imposing figure and a deep voice."
"The castle was an imposing sight on the hilltop."
How to use imposing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBig and impressive enough to command attention or respect.
Common pairings
imposing figure
imposing structure
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like imposing.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more imposing
- Superlative
- most imposing
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was a tall, _____ man with a deep voice.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for imposing
See all rhymes for imposing →Frequently asked questions
What does “imposing” mean?
The word “imposing” means impressive in size, appearance, or manner; commanding respect. In plain terms, big and impressive enough to command attention or respect.
How do you pronounce “imposing”?
“Imposing” is pronounced ihm-POH-zihng (/ɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “imposing” in a sentence?
Here is “imposing” used in a sentence: “The cathedral's imposing facade towers over the square.”
What part of speech is “imposing”?
“Imposing” is an adjective.
Is “imposing” a common word?
“Imposing” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between imposing and impressive?
Imposing usually describes something that commands respect through its large size or dominant presence, such as an imposing building or an imposing figure. Impressive is a broader term that can describe anything admirable, including skill, achievement, or beauty, without necessarily involving size or physical dominance.
Does imposing always have a positive meaning?
Imposing is generally a neutral-to-positive word describing something impressive in size or manner, though it can carry a slightly intimidating undertone, as an imposing presence can feel commanding rather than purely welcoming. Context usually determines whether the tone leans admiring or slightly unsettling.
What kinds of things are commonly described as imposing?
Imposing is commonly used to describe buildings, landscapes, and people, particularly when their size, height, or manner commands attention and respect. For example, a castle or a tall, authoritative person might both be described as imposing.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include imposing:
