imposition

noun

im·​po·​si·​tion ˌim-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce imposition (audio)
Synonyms of imposition
1
: something imposed: such as
a
: an excessive or uncalled-for requirement or burden
b
: levy, tax
2
: the act of imposing
the imposition of a tariff
You can stay with me. It's not an imposition.
3
: deception
4
: the order of arrangement of imposed pages

Synonyms of imposition

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Examples of imposition in a Sentence

Your kids can stay with me the night you're away—it's really not an imposition. the imposition of a life sentence on the defendant the imposition of a tax on liquor
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On June 27, 2025, the Departments of Homeland Security and the Justice issued an interim final rule designed to accelerate the imposition and collection of civil immigration penalties. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 Republicans have largely adhered to the president’s line about not posing any real imposition. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026 These impositions are gradual and incredibly well-meaning, although even their medicinal intentions come laced with the word of a foreign lord and savior, whose crucifixes and tales of forgiveness are at odds with the local rituals. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026 The screening of grants for phrases, and the broader imposition of political priorities on grant funding, has been unmooring for researchers. — Anil Oza, STAT, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imposition

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of imposition was in the 14th century

Rhymes for imposition

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Browse Nearby Words

imposing stone
imposition
impositor
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Cite this Entry

“Imposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imposition. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

imposition

noun
im·​po·​si·​tion ˌim-pə-ˈzish-ən How to pronounce imposition (audio)
1
: the act of imposing
2
a
: something (as a tax) that is imposed
b
: a demand or request that is very troublesome

More from Merriam-Webster on imposition

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imposition

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