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

The most impressive fact might be that the Lynx have done all of this without their best player Napheesa Collier, who has yet to play a game this season recovering from a left ankle injury. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2026

Especially impressive is this newly reborn five-star hotel, which has been lovingly restored to its Belle Epoque glory over a painstaking two-year process. —Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 19 June 2026

Miller, recently released by the Boston Red Sox organization, was signed from the independent-league Lancaster Stormers following an impressive first half of the season. —Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Australia also has momentum after its impressive 2-0 win over Turkey. —David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026

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