Synonym Chooser

How is the word impressive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of impressive are affecting, moving, pathetic, poignant, and touching. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

How do affecting and moving relate to one another, in the sense of impressive?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When could moving be used to replace impressive?

In some situations, the words moving and impressive are roughly equivalent. However, moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When is it sensible to use pathetic instead of impressive?

The words pathetic and impressive can be used in similar contexts, but pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

When would poignant be a good substitute for impressive?

The synonyms poignant and impressive are sometimes interchangeable, but poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

Where would touching be a reasonable alternative to impressive?

The words touching and impressive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

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 impressive The power couple were famously photographed riding a water-taxi ahead of their nuptials, which included an impressive guest list of A-list celebrities. Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025 Yes | Subscription Required: No With smart home integration, crisp video quality, and impressive motion detection capabilities, the Google Nest Doorbell is more than just a visitor alert. Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2025 Hamamoto’s coaching tree might be even more impressive than his win totals. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025 Instead, Boston’s president of basketball operations was able to land an impressive return in Simons, who just turned 26 and was a productive offensive player during his seven-year tenure with the Trail Blazers. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for impressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impressive
Adjective
  • If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 23 June 2025
  • That said, this bit felt like a very important emotional conclusion, that real change had finally been achieved between these two characters.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The jungle backdrop, unique architecture, exciting food scene, and turquoise ocean views make Tulum an incredibly romantic place for couples to escape.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 24 June 2025
  • So many brands are putting the red in red, white, and blue with exciting price cuts this July 4th.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • In 2023 and the first months of 2024, his name cropped up in a lot of excitable articles in the Rio de Janeiro press.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • The telling of the entire story of America, after all, calls into question the greatness that Donald Trump pledges to restore, and agitates a base that remains threatened and excitable by our multicultural reality.
    Kevin Sack, Time, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impressive. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impressive

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