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

Nagy will be tasked with helping along quarterback Jaxson Dart, who just finished an impressive rookie season. —Dianna Russini, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

The stark visual panache of the production, however, is an impressive sight to behold. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026

That’s next level, which is what makes Krystin Norman’s track record so impressive. —Dennis Lewon, Outside, 3 Feb. 2026

The 49-year-old Cancel had an impressive playing career, playing 20 professional seasons, mostly in the minor leagues, from 1994-2014. —Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 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