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
He was impressed by the network’s willingness to put him in touch with other small advertisers who bought commercial inventory. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025 The next one is all about accomplishing an individual goal such as impressing a boss or learning a skill. Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impress
Noun
  • Sometimes, the impression is given that Israel thinks everyone hates them so why care about winning over hearts and minds?
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Still, Netflix’s voluminous library seems to leave the impression among viewers like Lerner that such decisions are handed down flippantly.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The hikes will affect Priority Mail Express (PME), Priority Mail (PM), USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Freshly engraved against the varnish, the images would have had considerable visual impact.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Federal officials said anti-ICE messaging was engraved on rounds found near Jahn’s body.
    Michael Dorgan , Brooke Taylor, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The rally aimed to compel Starbucks to finalize the collective bargaining contract for improved staffing, shift hours, take-home pay and on-the-job protections for its baristas.
    Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
  • And yet, today, a few pieces of evidence are compelling us to reconsider this scenario.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Soil acidity can influence which colorful plant species will thrive in a garden.
    Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The lawsuit alleges that LLFO’s decision to purchase the Wave last year for what was then a record price in the National Women’s Soccer League was largely influenced by Ellis’ role at the club.
    Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And with Çalhanoğlu carving his own legacy in northern Italy both on-and-off the field, his name may be etched in Italian folklore forever.
    William Jones, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Now, at the age of 43, Brækhus is ready to hang up her gloves, her far-reaching legacy already etched into boxing’s history books as the first-ever undisputed women’s world champion.
    George Ramsay, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The judge cited testimony from another former girlfriend, Jane, who said Combs later assaulted her and coerced her into oral sex with an escort.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Questioning earlier medical evidence that the victims suffered brain injuries, the assessment also relied on a controversial study by the National Institutes of Health that was later shut down after an internal review confirmed some patients were coerced to participate.
    Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • No other products or services will be impacted, the agency said, noting the move is a strategic part of USPS’s 10-year plan to create a revitalized organization.
    Michelle Del Rey, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The initial, pre-construction assessment, published in 2019, surveyed 435 adults living in the neighborhoods impacted by the project, representing 1,629 household members of all ages.
    Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impress. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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