impressive

1 of 2

adjective

im·​pres·​sive im-ˈpre-siv How to pronounce impressive (audio)
Synonyms of impressive
: making or tending to make a marked impression : having the power to excite attention, awe, or admiration
an impressive display of skill
impressively adverb
impressiveness noun

impressiveness

2 of 2

noun

im·​pres·​sive·​ness
-sivnəs, 
-sēv- also -səv-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being impressive
the man's impressiveness was due to his enormous size and thunderous voice

Synonyms of impressive

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for impressive

moving, impressive, poignant, affecting, touching, pathetic mean having the power to produce deep emotion.

moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

Examples of impressive in a Sentence

Adjective He has an impressive vocabulary for a 10-year-old. Her first performance was very impressive. He has an impressive manner.
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.
Adjective
That fine old aristocrat is a half brother to the Maharajah of Nagod, and his former prime minister, boasting the impressive name and title of Lal Sahib Lal Bhargavendra Singh. — Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026 The most impressive trick Paranormal Activity pulls off is making an entire theater — devotees and newcomers alike — afraid to look away, and giving them one hell of a good time while doing it. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 The ingredients are impressive, but the shopper reviews are even better. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026 Others have discovered that designing an impressive concept and manufacturing a safe, reliable vehicle at scale are two very different challenges. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impressive

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1775, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impressive was in 1775

Rhymes for impressive

See All Rhymes for impressive

Browse Nearby Words

impressionistic
impressive
impressively
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impressive. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

impressive

adjective
im·​pres·​sive im-ˈpres-iv How to pronounce impressive (audio)
: having the power to impress the mind or feelings
an impressive speech
impressively adverb
impressiveness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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