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 WebChris 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 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 The architecture may be too imposing and the admission price too high.—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 6 June 2023 Even though the former Trojan isn’t the most imposing presence out on the gridiron (6-0, 175 pounds), his route-running, hands, and stop-and-go acceleration have many draft experts tabbing him as a versatile weapon.—Conor Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Mar. 2023 But decoding entire words and phrases is a more imposing challenge.—Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 1 May 2023 The shoulder pads also add structure and balance to the silhouette without being too imposing, and thick fabric is flattering.—Rena Behar, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'imposing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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