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 And agent Devlin landed Addison Rae a Super Bowl ad and podcaster Paige DeSorbo a Dunkin Donuts partnership, which resulting in billions of impressions. Taylor Lorenz, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025 My first impression of the Cristina after putting it on? Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025 The first impression was rough, but promising. Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2025 Broncos’ breakout sophomore RB Dylan Riley did his best Ashton Jeanty impression yet, bursting for 201 yards on just 15 carries, his fourth 100-yard day in his last six games. Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impression
Noun
  • Every candle in the collection impresses, but Côté Maquis stands out with an elusive, intoxicating aroma that’s hard to describe yet instantly captivating.
    Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Nor did the Stryker impress in its Iraq War debut.
    Seth Harp, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bank of America reiterates Nvidia and Broadcom as buy Bank of America says the stocks remain favorite ideas at the firm.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
  • It’s not presented as an idea because of how we were raised.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Published by Random House Worlds, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Published by Avery, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group.
    Big Think, Big Think, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To put a cap on preseason and training camp and to prepare for what’s ahead, here are my predictions and thoughts on how the Knicks will handle their depth chart and rotation heading into the season.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • As the players performed snow angels in the confetti on the Levi’s Stadium field, the prevailing thought was there would never be another Von or a Denver D like this.
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With thick buckle straps, multiple functional pockets, a wide-leg fit, and fun leopard print, this one-and-done outfit is the perfect complement to the neutral basics already in your wardrobe.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • In college, Cannon convinced his a cappella group to screen print on the company's blank shirts.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Google has been reorienting its Android smartphones’ software around this concept, with features like Circle to Search, which performs a Google search based on what’s on your phone’s screen.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Naroditsky was widely praised for his ability to explain complex chess concepts clearly.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Those principles felt like the right direction for the conception of Aatman.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Appropriate to the popular conception of the morose genius, Poe’s initial 1849 funeral, held amidst the October gloom, was sparsely attended.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That's such a crazy, perverse notion — on this triumphant night, to see it from the point of view of the guy being left behind in all this.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Protesters have slammed the notions and multiple attendees wore inflatable frog and animal costumes to point to the absurdity of the claims of danger.
    Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 18 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impression. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impression

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!