imposition

noun

im·​po·​si·​tion ˌim-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce imposition (audio)
1
: something imposed: such as
a
: an excessive or uncalled-for requirement or burden
b
: levy, tax
2
: the act of imposing
3
4
: the order of arrangement of imposed pages

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 The new law will provide authorities with wide-ranging tools to minimize dissent in the city, following Beijing’s imposition of a national security law in 2020 in the wake of pro-democracy protests. Alan Wong, Fortune Asia, 9 Mar. 2024 Such a plan could involve more burn bans, higher fines, troubles getting highway projects approved and funded, or imposition of new industrial pollution controls, Halpert said. Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 8 Feb. 2024 Alas, the imposition of command-and-control is not inflation. John Tamny, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Treasury officials say Russian energy revenue dropped by about 40 percent last year, largely due to the imposition of the price cap. Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 Through the imposition of Sinhalese as the official language and Buddhism as the official religion, a deep division was created, provoking protests by the Tamils, peaceful at first but increasingly violent when crushed by the state. Ramachandra Guha, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 In some cases, this has led to the demolition of Arab property and the imposition of massive fines. Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 21 Feb. 2024 Thoughtful touches Small touches can make a big difference to help guests feel welcome rather than an imposition. Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 And ignore the obvious truth that the imposition of additional constraints on LNG exports will make Europe and others more dependent upon the Putin regime for energy supplies, not a salutary outcome for U.S. foreign-policy interests. Benjamin Zycher, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'imposition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near imposition

Cite this Entry

“Imposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imposition. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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