impress

1 of 4

verb (1)

im·​press im-ˈpres How to pronounce impress (audio)
impressed; impressing; impresses

transitive verb

1
a
: to affect especially forcibly or deeply : gain the admiration or interest of
her honesty impressed us
b
: to produce a vivid impression of
2
a
: to apply with pressure so as to imprint
b
: to produce (something, such as a mark) by pressure
c
: to mark by or as if by pressure or stamping
3

intransitive verb

: to produce an impression
impressibility noun
impressible adjective

impress

2 of 4

noun (1)

im·​press ˈim-ˌpres How to pronounce impress (audio)
also
im-ˈpres How to pronounce impress (audio)
1
: a characteristic or distinctive mark : stamp
the impress of a fresh and vital intelligence is stamped … in his workLytton Strachey
2
: impression, effect
have an impress on history
3
: the act of impressing
4
a
: a mark made by pressure : imprint
b
: an image of something formed by or as if by pressure
especially : seal
c
: a product of pressure or influence

impress

3 of 4

verb (2)

im·​press im-ˈpres How to pronounce impress (audio)
impressed; impressing; impresses

transitive verb

1
: to levy or take by force for public service
especially : to force into naval service
2
a
: to procure or enlist by forcible persuasion
b
: force
impressed him into a white coat for the Christmas festivitiesNancy Hale

impress

4 of 4

noun (2)

im·​press ˈim-ˌpres How to pronounce impress (audio)
also
im-ˈpres How to pronounce impress (audio)
Choose the Right Synonym for impress

affect, influence, touch, impress, strike, sway mean to produce or have an effect upon.

affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.

the sight affected her to tears

influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).

our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing

touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.

plants touched by frost
his emotions were touched by her distress

impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.

only one of the plans impressed him

strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.

struck by the solemnity of the occasion

sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.

politicians who are swayed by popular opinion

Examples of impress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The surreal video, which blew up on Friend’s TikTok and Instagram accounts, is a prime example of the comedian’s sharp miming abilities, which often impress and surprise his targets. Jake Kring-Schreifels, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 But the home’s third floor is what really impresses. James McClain, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 Proving herself yet again to be this season’s queen of fashion, Q managed to make a massive coat-dress that immediately impressed the judges, earning the star her second win of the season. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2024 Assistant coach Jerry Norman occasionally took recruits to Hollis Johnson’s as part of campus visits in hopes of giving a true indication of daily life at UCLA, as opposed to a fancy restaurant the way many schools would in an attempt to impress. Scott Howard-Cooper., Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Contestants showcase their culinary talents to impress judges in the hopes of being named America’s newest MasterChef Junior and taking home the top $100,000 prize. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 2 Mar. 2024 Take time to nurture yourself and meaningful relationships instead of trying to impress an outsider. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2024 David Tizzard, who has a PhD in Korean Studies and lectures at Seoul Women’s University, is impressed by how quickly attitudes changed. Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Their history dates back to the Cold War, when the duo became allies at the CIA and helped develop several evasion protocols and gadgets that would leave even James Bond impressed. Dawn Klavon, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024
Noun
Monk’s costume design impresses, as Elodie must use parts of her dress to engineer her way out of dire encounters with the dragon (voiced by Shohreh Aghdashloo) and the maze of its underground lair. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 The Echo Show 8 impresses with its high-quality display and versatile features. Maddie Michalik, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2024 The Highland Park estate at 3637 Maplewood Ave. impresses with sophisticated style from your first step in the door. Allie Beth Allman & Associates, Dallas News, 17 Sep. 2023 Chris Lowe’s production design impresses with the Oceanic Institute and the very cool dive suits and sea vessels. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Aug. 2023 Designed by William Briggs and built by Tom Black, the nearly 6,000-square-foot home impresses with arched doorways, spacious rooms and sophisticated fireplaces. Allie Beth Allman & Associates, Dallas News, 27 June 2023 About how youth is clay that responds to the impress of charismatic people and ideas. Melissa Holbrook Pierson, Washington Post, 22 June 2023 On the road, even the entry-level 350+ impresses, the steel suspension tending more towards soft compliance than engaging poise, but still offering a relaxing, rewarding drive experience. Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 5 Apr. 2023 Thankfully, this always-be-dressed-to-impress rule has lightened up a bit during the pandemic, but here are a few other steadfast ways that remain. Sara Lieberman, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2021

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

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Latin impressus, past participle of imprimere, from in- + premere to press — more at press

Verb (2)

in- entry 2 + press entry 3

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Noun (1)

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1602, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near impress

Cite this Entry

“Impress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impress. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

impress

1 of 3 verb
im·​press im-ˈpres How to pronounce impress (audio)
1
: to produce by stamping, pressing, or printing
2
a
: to fix in or on one's mind : produce a vivid impression of
the lesson was impressed on their minds
b
: to affect strongly or deeply
I am impressed by what you've done
also : to gain the admiration or interest of
tries to impress people

impress

2 of 3 noun
im·​press ˈim-ˌpres How to pronounce impress (audio)
1
: the act of impressing
2
: a mark made by pressure
3
: a characteristic or special mark
4

impress

3 of 3 verb
im·​press im-ˈpres How to pronounce impress (audio)
: to force into naval service
impressment
-mənt
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on impress

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