impress 1 of 2

as in impression
a perceptible trace left by pressure the stamp left a smudgy impress on the paper

Synonyms & Similar Words

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impress

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to engrave
to produce a vivid impression of impressed the importance of safe driving habits by displaying photos of horrific crashes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb impress differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of impress are affect, influence, strike, sway, and touch. While all these words mean "to produce or have an effect upon," impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.

only one of the plans impressed him

When is it sensible to use affect instead of impress?

The words affect and impress can be used in similar contexts, but affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.

the sight affected her to tears

When might influence be a better fit than impress?

Although the words influence and impress have much in common, influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).

our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing

Where would strike be a reasonable alternative to impress?

The meanings of strike and impress largely overlap; however, strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.

struck by the solemnity of the occasion

When would sway be a good substitute for impress?

The words sway and impress are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.

politicians who are swayed by popular opinion

In what contexts can touch take the place of impress?

While the synonyms touch and impress are close in meaning, touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.

plants touched by frost
his emotions were touched by her distress

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of impress
Noun
Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve Studio impress on all of these fronts, but there are still some differences between them that might lead you to prefer one over the other. PC Magazine, 9 June 2025 Christine Rucci, denim expert and founder of Godmother NYC, Inc., is less impress with recent efforts to subvert. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 6 May 2025
Verb
There is a big twist at the end, that one doesn’t see coming, which impresses. Beandrea July, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025 The timing couldn’t have been much worse as he was tried to impress his new manager. James Pearce, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impress
Noun
  • Danni-Elle Townsend, who’s made a solid impression in PPA internationals this year, was upset in the first round by 43-yr old qualifier and eventual Bronze medalist from Japan Rika Fujiwara, a former WTA tennis pro who toured for more than 20 years before retiring from Tennis in 2020.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Rookie pitcher Ryan Bergert has made a strong impression with the Kansas City Royals since arriving from the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Members are honored with their names engraved on a beautiful stone plaque displayed prominently on the property.
    Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The timepiece also has the team’s logo engraved onto the stainless-steel case back and houses the brand’s 32 caliber.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The women throwing their support behind a petition from Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie and California Democrat Ro Khanna to compel a vote to release the Epstein files.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The power of Ed and Lorraine Warren compels you — to buy a movie ticket!
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Its proximity to its Southeast Asian neighbors, and the extensive migration between the countries, means Myanmar's distinctive culinary offerings are influenced by Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh and India.
    Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • In a response posted to social media, Kennedy hit back at the pediatrics academy's criticism, implying that the organization's views were influenced by corporate pharmaceutical funders.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Since 2012, certain players and games are forever etched in the memories of those who watched.
    Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The fragrance comes in a black bottle with metallic gold and copper details and his signature etched across the front.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Abrego's lawyers have said the administration is trying to coerce him into pleading guilty.
    Ted Hesson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The allegations come amid the ongoing fallout of felony perjury and bribery charges filed in 2023 against Tran, who is accused of paying off and coercing a witness in a separate 2011 murder case.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Advertised as a resurgent unit, the Chiefs’ offense punted three straight times to start the game, clearly impacted by the quick departure of Xavier Worthy.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • No one can say with certainty how this will impact the atmosphere when Spurs host Villarreal in the Champions League a few days later.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impress. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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