impressive

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

Synonyms of impressive

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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

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.
Combining the processing of three organoids increased the system’s accuracy to an impressive 83%. — Mike McRae 19, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2026 As striking as the GT SUV may look, its most impressive feature is its powertrain. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2026 Keery, who’s also making his Broadway debut, delivered the production’s most impressive performance. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 One of the most impressive elements was the lighting and pyrotechnics design. — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impressive

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impressive was in 1775

Rhymes for impressive

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Browse Nearby Words

impressionistic
impressive
impressively
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Cite this Entry

“Impressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impressive. Accessed 27 Oct. 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
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