impression

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun impression contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of impression are conception, concept, idea, notion, and thought. While all these words mean "what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan)," impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

When might concept be a better fit than impression?

While in some cases nearly identical to impression, concept may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be.

a society with no concept of private property

How are the words conception and concept related as synonyms of impression?

Conception is often interchangeable with concept; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result.

our changing conception of what constitutes art

When would idea be a good substitute for impression?

While the synonyms idea and impression are close in meaning, idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed.

innovative ideas
my idea of paradise

When can notion be used instead of impression?

In some situations, the words notion and impression are roughly equivalent. However, notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

Where would thought be a reasonable alternative to impression?

Although the words thought and impression have much in common, thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

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 impression Palm trees act as a privacy buffer at the front of the double-gated home, while four rows of vertical wooden beams, presented to dramatic effect by golden uplighting, make a bold first impression from the driveway. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 23 July 2025 But Goldin still made a strong first impression on Heat coaches during his first summer league with the organization. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025 The man did not talk with an accent and gave the impression of not being from that area. Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025 Here are other initial impressions from the 49ers’ first practice: JAUAN JENNINGS AT WORK Jauan Jennings looks in shape, physical, and very present in his red No. 15 jersey. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for impression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impression
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, PC Magazine, 9 June 2025
  • But, should Neave impress during pre-season, the head coach may even decide to keep him around the first-team setup longer term.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • What does the heat index chart look like? To get an idea of how air temperatures and humidity levels produce apparent temperatures, here is the NWS' heat index chart.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • Notable Music speakers: Wyclef Jean, Wynonna Judd, 2016: President Barack Obama discusses civic engagement, while first lady Michelle Obama's talks about her Let Girls Learn initiative and using music to promote ideas.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Used by permission of Rodale Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 25 July 2025
  • His latest projects show how Gulf states are leaning on music, art, and spectacle to create a global cultural imprint.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • And maybe, this line of thought continued, the Islamic Republic of Iran—its main clients hobbled, its economy failing, and its theocratic leadership losing support—would finally cut a nuclear deal with the United States, or implode altogether.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
  • Unfortunately, most hiring managers take a backward-thinking approach and charge ahead with little thought.
    Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • Wiggle prints and blindingly bright colors to the Canadian designer’s distinctive footwear styles.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 14 July 2025
  • Digital, print or both, your book can be one of the most powerful keys in your business toolkit.
    Vikrant Shaurya, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The news division is, like its counterparts, experimenting with a bevy of concepts to see which ones strike a chord with the younger viewers who use streaming as their primary means of watching video.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 July 2025
  • One of the biggest challenges Pavone faced after launching was educating the consumer around this new concept.
    Yola Robert, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Experiences are incredibly expensive to develop, and take years from conception to completion (Disney CEO Bob Iger says that the parks typically take as long as two years to develop, and another five years to build).
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
  • The idea is to incubate original ideas from their conception through to commercialization and provide IP owners with advice on strategy, branding building, content development and making cash.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • The franchise’s purchase by Disney in 2012 likely subconsciously reinforced the notion that Star Wars is popcorn, family entertainment, not the meaty material that wins acting awards.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 July 2025
  • Her investment also challenges the outdated notion that celebrity partnerships are purely transactional.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impression. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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