Synonyms of impress

impress 1 of 2

noun

as in impression

a perceptible trace left by pressure

the stamp left a smudgy impress on the paper

Synonyms & Similar Words

• impression
• imprint
• print
• stamp
• mark
• sign
• dent
• hollow
• indenture
• indentation
• indent

impress

2 of 2

verb

im-ˈpres 

1

as in to affect

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response

impressed him with the intensity of their musical performance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• affect
• influence
• impact
• touch
• strike
• inspire
• reach
• sway
• tell (on)
• interest
• bother
• attract
• involve
• move
• dazzle
• fascinate
• get to
• disturb
• concern
• worry
• enthral
• entrance
• penetrate
• try
• engage
• enthrall
• stir
• bias
• upset
• harass
• enrapture
• trouble
• ravish
• carry away
• enchant
• plague
• afflict
• charm
• captivate
• transport
• distress
• pierce
• smite
• discomfort
• stress
• pester
• color
• perturb
• bewitch
• fluster
• agitate
• wring
• allure
• discompose
• harry
• disquiet
• strain

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bore
• weary
• pall
• tire
• jade
• underwhelm

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

• engrave
• etch
• brand
• imprint
• engrain
• instill
• ingrain
• imbue
• inculcate
• infuse
• infix
• implant
• stamp
• set
• fix
• enroot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obliterate
• erase
• expunge
• blot out

3

as in to compel

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure

after weeks of nagging, they impressed her into going to the masquerade party

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compel
• coerce
• force
• obligate
• oblige
• drive
• intimidate
• constrain
• pressure
• impel
• make
• press
• muscle
• blackmail
• bully
• sandbag
• dragoon
• threaten
• blackjack
• browbeat
• twist one's arm
• terrorize
• bulldoze
• shame
• drag
• cow
• harass
• hector
• high-pressure
• menace
• badger
• hound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• let
• allow
• permit
• convince
• satisfy
• move
• induce
• argue
• talk (into)
• persuade
• win (over)
• prevail (on or upon)

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

Recent Examples of impress

Noun

The combo guard returned prior to his senior campaign and has done nothing but impress with an ability to score inside and out (16.2 points a night). —Matt Feld, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2025

Smiles at Four Seasons Whistler Both the facilities and service at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler impress. —Johanna Read, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Verb

For example, just recently, in an episode of Celebrity Apprentice, at the steakhouse, the men’s cooking team did not impress the judges from Omaha Steaks. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025

There, the younger Revel impressed the college coaches with his elite speed and athleticism, running the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds and showcasing a 39-inch vertical leap. —Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025