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

Perovskite solar cells that are seriously impressive. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025

Oregon transfer Chance Gray has been impressive, averaging a career-best 16 points per game in her first year in Columbus, and the explosiveness of Freshman of the Year candidate Jaloni Cambridge make this year’s Buckeyes especially dangerous. —Ben Pickman, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025

Drew Allar was really impressive early against Boise State before some inconsistency crept in. —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2025

The Dolphins defense quietly put together an impressive season, finishing in the top 10 in total yards and points allowed. —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 7 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