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 Target: Lock in on these impressive discounts: The Samsung Frame TV, Apple iPad, and more big-ticket tech items are all less than usual now. Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 19 May 2025 Amplifying this feeling of being a guest at your chic friend’s impressive house is that there are plenty of events to attend in the lobby and first-floor cafe. Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2025 Will Warren, coming off two impressive outings, will start the opener for the Yankees, followed by Ryan Yarbrough and Carlos Rodón. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025 This combines to give Mary a front runner position entering FTC to successfully argue that her run was the most impressive. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for impressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impressive
Adjective
  • Scheifele’s emotional and inspirational decision to play mere hours after his father’s unexpected death — to play for his dad, to play because of his dad — ended in cruel fashion, with Scheifele helpless in the penalty box.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • Lawrence — mother to two children now — was visibly emotional talking about working with Ramsay on the subject matter.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • While seemingly indifferent, like Yi-young, Gi-on actually finds the department exciting and wants to stay.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 19 May 2025
  • There were a variety of topics covered today, including what the ramifications of failing to qualify for the Champions League would be, who should replace Alexander Isak against Everton if the striker is declared unfit, Sean Longstaff's future, and whether exciting, marquee signings will arrive.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • The most reliably entertaining are the dryly sardonic Yelena Belova (Pugh) and the excitable, histrionic Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (a showily outsized Harbour).
    Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • Specifically, her plans to reform the taxation of capital gains have alarmed more than a few wealthy (and excitable) taxpayers.
    Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Impressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impressive. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impressive

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