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
Newer faces impress in Mizzou scrimmage Under the blazing St. Charles sun, a handful of Tigers shined with key players on the sidelines. Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025 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
Verb
These great gift ideas for girlfriends (which make excellent gifts for all the women in your life) are guaranteed to impress. Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2025 In Season 1, Gillory was a janitor at the LAPD but become a full-time consultant after solving a murder case and impressing everyone with her IQ of 160. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impress
Noun
  • The study agreed that the culprit that made the mark was likely dropped into the wet cement, leaving the near perfect body impression.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, witnessing civil rights events such as the March on Washington, left an impression on her.
    Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Smaller companies are also adversely affected.
    Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
  • But Braun was solid before tiring and working through injuries that affected him on the ball over the final month last season.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Just start engraving the Tony statues right now.
    EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In Ferndale, California, Christine and her husband are doing pre-planning and have already purchased and engraved their gravestones in a beautiful cemetery.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Rivera, who left Mexico at 18, is one of a growing number of people compelled to self-deport out of fear of arrest and detention.
    Laura Romero, ABC News, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Her lawyers say that the gravity of the allegations against her have compelled her to seek asylum.
    Aida Alami, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Banks will discuss how hormones and inflammation may influence Alzheimer’s risk; why women are disproportionately affected; the role of genetics and brain imaging in unlocking answers and lifestyle choices that may help protect memory and cognition.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Other large-scale climate patterns in the atmosphere that can influence winter weather include the Madden-Julian Oscillation, which can affect the number of heavy-rain events along the West Coast.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ramírez played an integral role in the Red Sox's 2004 and 2007 World Series victories, etching his name among the best to have ever played in Boston.
    Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Ernie Hudson is etched into film history as the Ghostbusters franchise's Winston Zeddemore, but his career encompasses nearly half a century.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In a free society, the government provides broad media access and doesn’t try to coerce reporters into providing only favorable coverage.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Our federal government is coercing institutions to follow its dictates on student admissions, curriculum and programs.
    George R. Boggs, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • About two weeks into the shutdown, reporters from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Appleton Post-Crescent and Green Bay Press-Gazette visited downtown areas to ask residents and visitors how the shutdown is impacting them — and who, if anyone, is to blame.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The club’s executives argue this could then impact the fee negotiated for the renewal or the signing of another centre-back.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impress. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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