impressionistic

play

adjective im·pres·sion·is·tic \ (ˌ)im-ˌpre-shə-ˈni-stik \

Definition of impressionistic

1 or impressionist play \im-ˈpre-sh(ə-)nist\ often capitalized :of, relating to, or constituting impressionism

2 :based on or involving impression as distinct from expertise or fact

intuitions and impressionistic anecdotal accounts
—Sidney Hook

—

impressionistically

play \(ˌ)im-ˌpre-shə-ˈni-sti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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Examples of impressionistic in a Sentence

He wrote an impressionistic account of the battle scene.

Recent Examples of impressionistic from the Web

Ruskin chooses an offbeat, impressionistic way to dramatize Warner’s time in prison — it’s light on dialogue and exposition, heavy on artful framing and evocative music (the effective score is by Mark Degli Antoni).

— gary thompson, Philly.com, "'Crown Heights': Nnamdi Asomugha stars in this quiet crusade for justice," 30 Aug. 2017
While his sound was sometimes wildly experimental, incorporating electric squawks and heavy reverb, Mr. Abercrombie’s four-decade career was largely defined by gentle, impressionistic guitar melodies.

— harrison smith, Washington Post, "John Abercrombie, influential jazz guitarist of the ’70s fusion scene, dies at 72," 23 Aug. 2017
The rich, impressionistic style is seen in this year's Jazzfest poster and in work displayed throughout his three galleries -- in Boston, in Cluny, France, and in the French Quarter.

— brett anderson, NOLA.com, "James Michalopoulos, the artist as epicure, distiller: from the archive," 6 July 2017
Director Marie Noelle brings a dreamy, impressionistic style to this drama, focusing on Curie’s romantic life and struggles as a woman, rather than dwelling on her scientific advancements.

— kimber myers, latimes.com, "French drama 'Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge' delivers stylish view of noted scientist," 29 June 2017
With every sweep of his deft hands, impressionistic creations rise from such basic natural mediums as redwood, cedar and madrone trees or shale, basalt and even the simplest river rock.

— bill monroe, OregonLive.com, "Milwaukie artist transforms his love for fish into conservation," 19 May 2017
Its effect is more impressionistic than conventionally dramatic.

— robert w. butler, kansascity.com, "KC Rep’s ‘Man in Love’ is a mixed bag of horror and hope," 7 May 2017
And along with all these musicians, Craig has put together these strange orchestral reworkings of his own classic tracks, combining electronics with strings and woodwinds and impressionistic piano runs.

— tom breihan, Billboard, "Stream Carl Craig's New Album 'Versus': Listen," 27 Apr. 2017
Long gone is the impressionistic close-up of a sweaty mixed salad.

— nick paumgarten, Bon Appetit, "The History of Maldon Salt, the Stuff You Already Put on Everything," 31 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impressionistic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of impressionistic

1886

IMPRESSIONISTIC Defined for English Language Learners

impressionistic

play

adjective

Definition of impressionistic for English Language Learners

: involving general feelings or thoughts rather than specific knowledge or facts
: of or relating to impressionism

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Definition of impressionistic

impressionistically

Examples of impressionistic in a Sentence

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IMPRESSIONISTIC Defined for English Language Learners

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