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 Gemini controls were, however, the most impressive portion of the Galaxy XR demo Samsung had in New York last week. Steve Kovach, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025 Dining on property was equally impressive. Okla Jones, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025 Stamps, a 6-foot, 190-pound athlete from Harvey, Louisiana, had an impressive 2024 season. Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 Susan Downey says Watkins’ early drafts have been impressive. Brent Lang, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impressive
Adjective
  • His family said their final goodbyes to him during an emotional funeral procession on July 30, which took place in Birmingham.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • In what ways will his grief manifest this season, and what role will his struggle with sobriety play in his emotional journey?
    Alamin Yohannes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Watching these flux ropes in the simulation form so quickly and move toward Earth was exciting, but concerning.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2024, Luis Perales had broken out as one of the Red Sox’s most exciting minor league pitchers.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The text is excitable and wayward, while many of the photographs are dramatically dull.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Pups with excitable and reactive temperaments were especially responsive to on-screen content, suggesting that many canines may interpret moving images much like real-world events.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impressive. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impressive

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