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 The images here give the impression of being thought out before being filmed, the discoveries taking place in sight and in mind before being caught on camera. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2025 To be fair, the Avalanche gave the same impression. New Atlas, 13 May 2025 Redefine metrics: Measure shifts in trust, not just impressions. Justin Ángel Knighten, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025 The art may nail the first impression, but the sweeping views seal the deal. Julia Eskins, Vogue, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for impression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impression
Noun
  • 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
  • Milton spent nearly all of last season as the Patriots’ third-stringer but did impress in Week 18.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • What are the building blocks of a brain that can think critically, use tools, or form abstract ideas?
    Yasemin Saplakoglu, Wired News, 11 May 2025
  • Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter from April 27, had his own idea, and commented on the naming change.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Used with permission from Bramble, an imprint of Tor Publishing Group; a trade division of Macmillan Publishers.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 15 May 2025
  • Reprinted with permission of Balance Publishing, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.
    Kameelah Phillips, Flow Space, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • However, the 2025 study found that people with higher emotional intelligence struggled significantly less with these thoughts than others.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • Want to stay up to date on IndieWire’s film reviews and critical thoughts?
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Since, the Chuck Taylor has always been a symbol of self-expression, this year’s pride collection includes a new iteration of the shoe featuring unique designs including animal prints, flames all in rainbow colors.
    Essence, Essence, 16 May 2025
  • Delicate floral patterns were a defining characteristic of this style, which drew inspiration from American prairie, classic French and English Victorian prints.
    Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • The concept is cool, and so are the tattoos, which blend Viking fandom into opponents’ symbols.
    Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • The merger will allow Dick’s Sporting Goods to use new concepts to serve customers, according to the announcement.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Speaking of conception, the big thing that Tom added this week was counseling Kyle Cooke on how to give a sperm sample to check his fertility for when Amanda is ready to have children, which, judging by next week’s preview, isn’t anytime soon.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Each artist is selected on originality, artistic conception, beauty and quality of the work.
    Roger Catlin, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After Damir donates his sperm for Sara’s solo parenting journey, the two best friends travel from Sweden to his family’s wedding in Croatia, where the strain on their secret arrangement challenges their friendship and forces them to reassess their own notions on family.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 May 2025
  • The notion that the island prison is truly escape-proof is a key part of President Donald Trump’s proposal to reopen it more than 60 years after the Bureau of Prisons closed it for being too expensive to operate.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impression. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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