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 Bradley donated nearly 400 works of 20th-century art to the museum in 1975, including ones by Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol, with an impressive subset of art by German Expressionists. Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025 Despite the side’s difficult start to the campaign, Mings has been one of the more impressive performers, with Villa conceding just four goals. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 With these new partners, Capital One now has an impressive total of 22 transfer partners. Meghan Hunter, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025 But still, the beast has surpassed 270 mph, and that’s impressive as hell. Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impressive
Adjective
  • For the Rakhimovs, the moment was emotional.
    Dada Jovanovic, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Group dynamics may trigger deep emotional wounds when the Sagittarius moon activates Venus.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This Thursday’s episode of The Run-Through covers a lot of exciting ground.
    Vogue, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Milk is a classic cookie counterpart, but Addison also recommends a side of Greek yogurt for something a little more exciting (and surprising).
    Audrey Bruno, SELF, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The cranky and irritating backseat driver, who bums a lift midway through the Griswolds' adventure, also has with her the easily excitable pooch Dinky.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Seriesly’s own pitching competitions were well attended and brought the excitable energy that newer talent brings to proceedings.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impressive. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impressive

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