Synonyms of impressive

impressive

adjective

im-ˈpre-siv 

as in emotional

having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies

an impressive play about a loving family attempting to lift themselves out of poverty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• emotional
• exciting
• excitable
• poignant
• passionate
• inspirational
• dramatic
• moving
• impactful
• touching
• eloquent
• stirring
• meaningful
• affecting
• expressive
• theatrical
• significant
• theatric
• feeling
• demonstrative
• responsive
• provoking
• stimulating
• rousing
• sensitive
• melodramatic
• cathartic
• histrionic

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unimpressive
• unemotional
• cool
• cold
• detached
• dispassionate
• unaffecting
• emotionless
• deadpan

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

Recent Examples of impressive

Founded by architect Paul McClean in 2000, the firm has distinguished itself with its impressive residential designs around the world, from a mountain home set in the rocky landscape of Whistler to a Hollywood Hills haven overlooking the city. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025

The Valkyrie is a visually striking vehicle, but its most impressive feature is its electrified powertrain. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2025

His strength was impressive as well. —Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025

That means that New Line and Warner Bros.’ horror sensation Weapons will be listed as the official winner of the Aug. 22-24 frame with $15.6 million in its third outing for a horrifyingly impressive global cume of nearly $200 million, or $199.4 million through Sunday. —Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2025