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

At 5-foot-11 and 176 pounds, the Russian center is known for his impressive puck skills and ability to find the back of the net. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025

The 23-year-old has been particularly impressive as of late, posting a .937 save percentage (nine goals allowed on 142 shots against) and 1.63 goals against average over his past six games (five starts) dating back to Dec. 22. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2025

The Italian is currently in his second stint at the Bernabeu, and last season delivered an impressive treble which contained record-extending 15th and 36th Champions League and La Liga titles. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Carrie Underwood’s net worth stands at an impressive $120 million in 2025. —Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 20 Jan. 2025

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