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

Examples 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 With the potential to bring connectivity to billions of people, Starlink could significantly boost SpaceX’s profitability over the next decade, adding even more value to the company’s already impressive portfolio. Joel Shulman, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024 That brings the Disney sequel to a domestic gross of $300 million, while globally, Moana 2 has crossed the impressive $600 million mark. Staff Author, EW.com, 8 Dec. 2024 Hayek and Pinault joined an impressive list of international figures at the ceremony in Paris, including President-elect Donald Trump, first lady Jill Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Britain's Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Tracy Wright, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024 This year's debutantes included Sophie, Apple Martin and other intelligent and well-traveled young women with impressive titles. Esther Kang, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impressive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impressive
Adjective
  • Singing over gruff hip-hop beats and ethereal minimalist ballads, the Argentine singer weaves a provocative tale of self-discovery with diaristic lyrics that excavate self-acceptance, intense romance and emotional maturity.
    Pamela Avila, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Divorcing couples can establish a pet custody agreement that focuses on the pet's emotional well-being.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Now, Sailors can jump aboard any of our ships across an endless variety of exciting destinations for an entire year.
    Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Yet Wilmot-Sitwell claims the more exciting opening is from an under-the-radar luxury operator, Kazazian, whose modernist all-white boats are the sleekest way to experience the Nile.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Thank you for being the most generous, excitable, magical crowds, and for breaking the all time attendance record for the stadium all 3 nights.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
  • There’s naïve Jill (Nicola Turner and then, in adulthood, Helena Wilson), excitable Ruby (Sophia Ally and Ophelia Lovibond), and fretful Gloria (Nancy Allsop and Leanne Best); and then—played by Lara McDonnell as a teen and by Donnelly in a pointed piece of double-casting as an adult—there’s Joan.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near impressive

Cite this Entry

“Impressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impressive. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on impressive

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