Definitions

impose

[im-pohz] / ɪmˈpoʊz /

VERB

set, dictate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appoint charge demand enforce establish foist force inflict institute introduce lay down levy order place promulgate put require

STRONG

burden command compel constrain decree encroach enjoin exact fix infringe intrude lade lay oblige obtrude ordain prescribe presume saddle trespass visit wish wreak wreck

WEAK

force upon horn in lay down the law move in on put foot down read riot act take advantage

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disorder displace forget overlook prevent remove

STRONG

aid help neglect

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.

He said that the school is not trying to impose ideas about gender on its incoming students.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

The district court judge had no discretion to impose a lesser sentence, though he maintained misgivings about the prosecution’s evidence.

From Slate • May 29, 2026

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday also threatened to "aggressively target" Oman if it helped impose tolls in the strait.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

Joanna Lee took issue with that request, calling the case “one-of-a-kind” and urging the court to impose the maximum sentence.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

But to completely disregard a person's disability would be unfair in evaluating what degree of culpability to assign and what sentence to impose.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Vocabulary lists containing impose

The Declaration of Independence

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List 2

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"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

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