impressive

adjective

im·​pres·​sive im-ˈpre-siv 

: 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

• emotional
• exciting
• excitable

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

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

Inside, the story of the war unfolds on an impressive scale, tracing everything from its early roots to the battles in Europe and the Pacific, as well as the massive effort underway on the home front. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025

Nutrient-rich bean sprouts support heart health, boost digestion, and help maintain balanced blood sugar levels with their impressive mix of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 27 Dec. 2025

The film looks to add $20 million by Sunday, an impressive result considering the film released a month ago. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 27 Dec. 2025

Meyer was impressive during training camp but has been sidelined since sustaining the injury during preseason. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for impressive

• aggressive
• compressive
• concessive
• depressive
• excessive
• expressive
• obsessive
• oppressive
• possessive
• progressive
• recessive
• regressive

Kids Definition

impressive

adjective

im·​pres·​sive im-ˈpres-iv 

: having the power to impress the mind or feelings

an impressive speech

impressively adverb

impressiveness noun