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 But Sandler had different advice about those making an impressive amount of cash. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025 And those are just a few concept highlights; there are plenty of others, including some impressive production vehicles. New Atlas, 19 July 2025 Both have been lauded for their dedication and impressive in-ring performances, with Logan Paul currently reigning as the United States Champion. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025 This hybrid drivetrain delivers a total of 437 hp and an impressive 583 pound-feet torque. Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for impressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impressive
Adjective
  • Low glutamine levels have been linked to depression, muscle loss, and physical and emotional fatigue.25 What depletes glutamine levels?
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 15 July 2025
  • Set within a military institution, the film continues his exploration of gender and power, aiming to expose and humanize rigid, oppressive systems through personal and emotional storytelling.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Replace apprehension with an exciting conversation about what’s possible, and then invest in training and skills development to help your talent thrive in the new AI era.
    Ronald Alepian, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Known then and today by the nickname El Greco, his idiosyncratic painting (which appears to draw some on Byzantine traditions) still seems fresh and exciting.
    Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Second, from a real-world perspective, if a dog is highly excitable or reactive, certain programming might overstimulate or stress them.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 July 2025
  • Choreographer Byron Easley is completely in synch with Goldstein’s excitable approach to this material.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impressive. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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