impressive

adjective

im·​pres·​sive im-ˈpre-siv 

: making or tending to make a marked impression : having the power to excite attention, awe, or admiration

an impressive display of skill

impressively adverb

impressiveness noun

Synonyms

• affecting
• emotional
• impactful
• moving
• poignant
• stirring
• touching

Choose the Right Synonym for impressive

moving, impressive, poignant, affecting, touching, pathetic mean having the power to produce deep emotion.

moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

Examples of impressive in a Sentence

He has an impressive vocabulary for a 10-year-old.

Her first performance was very impressive.

He has an impressive manner.

Recent Examples on the Web

But all of this leads up to one thing, and one thing only: the property’s seriously impressive, 21,000-square-foot Senses Spa. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2024

Despite racking up an impressive number of awards at last week’s creative arts Emmys, Shogun talent was absent from the red carpet. —Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Sep. 2024

The album further shines with a range of impressive guest appearances from G-Herbo, Hunxho, DJ ESCO, King Hendricks, Doughboy Clay, Peezy, Moxie Knox, Rexx Lif Raj, and Samuel Shabazz. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 13 Sep. 2024

Four touchdowns from South Alabama stretched the lead to an impressive 52-10 at halftime, but still the Jaguars did not let up. —Jamie Barton, CNN, 13 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

impressive

adjective

im·​pres·​sive im-ˈpres-iv 

: having the power to impress the mind or feelings

an impressive speech

impressively adverb

impressiveness noun