impressionistic
adjective
im·pres·sion·is·tic
(ˌ)im-ˌpre-shə-ˈni-stik 
1
2
: based on or involving impression as distinct from expertise or fact
… intuitions and impressionistic anecdotal accounts …—
Sidney Hook
Sidney HookExamples of impressionistic in a Sentence
He wrote an impressionistic account of the battle scene.
Recent Examples on the Web
From a distance, the ritual might seem mysterious—an impressionistic scene of fleshy, wading creatures at a watering hole.
—Rick Jordan, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Unmoored from tradition and offering only vague, impressionistic lyrics, Granli’s quavering performances on Rosacea become Rorschach tests, ripe for free association with whatever images your psyche can dredge up.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
Yet an outstanding cast, scripts that are perceptive about grief and remorse, and Hennie’s impressionistic directing more than make up for it.
—Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
With impressionistic backgrounds and expressive animation, the series explores grief, faith and revolution through a deeply emotional lens.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
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Rick Jordan, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Unmoored from tradition and offering only vague, impressionistic lyrics, Granli’s quavering performances on Rosacea become Rorschach tests, ripe for free association with whatever images your psyche can dredge up.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
Yet an outstanding cast, scripts that are perceptive about grief and remorse, and Hennie’s impressionistic directing more than make up for it.
—Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
With impressionistic backgrounds and expressive animation, the series explores grief, faith and revolution through a deeply emotional lens.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impressionistic
Cite this Entry
“Impressionistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impressionistic. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
impressionistic
adjective
im·pres·sion·is·tic
(ˌ)im-ˌpresh-ə-ˈnis-tik
1
or impressionist
often capitalized
: of or relating to impressionism
an impressionistic style of painting
2
: based on or involving one's impressions rather than knowledge or facts
impressionistic descriptions
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