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
There’s some speculation that the documentary might even hit the coveted $100 million mark, which is all the more impressive given the film’s three-hour run time. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026 At just 70 micrometers thick, the artificial skin has an impressive resolution of 847 dots per inch (dpi), fine enough to detail individual fingerprint ridges. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026 There are said to be battles between his character and impressive monsters and dragons. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026 According to readers, atmosphere isn’t about whether a restaurant is fashionable or visually impressive. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 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 28 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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