impress 1 of 2

Definition of impressnext
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
Upstairs, the layout and square footage impress and make room for everything from family to guests and hobbies. Miriam Schwartz, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026 The push for fully autonomous systems, agents that plan, reason, and act without human oversight, has created an automation theater where demos impress, but production systems disappoint. Joel Hron, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
We've also been impressed by Dell's commitment to sustainability, with extensive use of recycled materials in the laptop bottom cover, palmrest, and packaging. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026 The English team has never lacked talent but has somehow failed to impress on football’s biggest stage. Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for impress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impress
Noun
  • The complaint accuses Cal-Maine, Hickman's and Versova of conspiring to submit bids to influence egg price quotations, creating the impression there was a greater demand than there actually was.
    Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • Set in the pink of a romantic sunset was an impression of Buraq, the steed that had carried the Prophet to heaven and back and shown him the wonders of Paradise.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026
  • At least 383 buildings and over 1,000 other structures had collapsed or were heavily affected, and officials were still assessing the damage.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • These include an elite Viking Age burial site unearthed near Lisbjerg and engraved 9th century silver bangles, found in Elsted, that functioned as currency whose value was determined by the jewelry’s weight.
    Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The ring now bears both women's wedding dates engraved side by side.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Detective Joshua Hylton was granted a geofence warrant that compelled Google to search its database and identify every cellphone in a 17½-acre area around the bank, including private residences and a church, for a period of two hours.
    Anne Toomey McKenna, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
  • The Current building the stadium, of course, helped compel the expansion that opened in May with a stop that is about a five-minute walk from the stadium.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Not Cleaning Your Machine Another influencing factor on your towels’ absorbency is how often your washing machine itself is cleaned.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026
  • Together, the findings reinforce how structured peer and leadership advisory environments can influence both strategic clarity and operational execution.
    William Jones, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • His work was later etched into metal plates and used to mass-produce publicity prints.
    Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Evidence of this residue can be seen as water spots or etching glass surfaces, clean laundry that feels stiff and scratchy, and toilet bowl rings that trap bacteria.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Weger later insisted he had been coerced into making the confession.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • The decentralized group, created by 15-year-old Bradley Chance Cadenhead in Stephenville, targets children through social media, gaming platforms and messaging apps to coerce them into self-harm and sharing explicit content.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Though parents would have the option to opt their children out of some of the required teachings, Clark said, missing lessons could impact students’ test scores.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • Morning commute impacted The day will start off with a quick-hitting line of showers in the early morning hours Friday.
    Alyssa Andrews, CBS News, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Impress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impress. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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