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

Large-scale developments, billion-dollar projects and tourism records may look impressive in headlines, but who is truly benefiting? —Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026

But on a night when Carson Benge was robbed of extra bases twice and Luis Torrens once, his monster mash was especially impressive. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 23 May 2026

This lush new exception—a literal urban oasis and Ontario’s only LEED Gold Certified Hotel takes sustainability seriously—is distinguished by its biophilic design, impressive conservation programs, and real community mindedness. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026

The Hoka Bondi 9 is universally loved by athletes, casual walkers, and travelers for its impressive comfort. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 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