impression

noun

im-ˈpre-shən How to pronounce impression (audio)
Definition of impressionnext
1
as in impress
a perceptible trace left by pressure a shoe impression in the dirt that could lead police to the culprit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in idea
something imagined or pictured in the mind had a vague impression that the guide would be female

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun impression contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of impression are conception, concept, idea, notion, and thought. While all these words mean "what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan)," impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

When might concept be a better fit than impression?

While in some cases nearly identical to impression, concept may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be.

a society with no concept of private property

How are the words conception and concept related as synonyms of impression?

Conception is often interchangeable with concept; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result.

our changing conception of what constitutes art

When would idea be a good substitute for impression?

While the synonyms idea and impression are close in meaning, idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed.

innovative ideas
my idea of paradise

When can notion be used instead of impression?

In some situations, the words notion and impression are roughly equivalent. However, notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

Where would thought be a reasonable alternative to impression?

Although the words thought and impression have much in common, thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

Example 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 impression The single’s coronation comes after a 37% gain, to 7 million audience impressions, during the tracking week of February 21-27, according to Luminate. —Pamela Bustios, Billboard, 3 Mar. 2025 Interestingly, for all his impressions of Crystal, Hiaasen never did get to meet the monkey. —Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2025 Bounce back Runners should rebound immediately from impressions made by people’s feet and shoes. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025 Such a thinking machine would be head and shoulders above current AI models, which can only do a good impression of thinking. —Ryan Whitwam, Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impression
  1. impress
  2. idea
  3. imprint
  4. thought
  5. print
  6. concept
  7. conception
  8. notion
Noun
  • The combo guard returned prior to his senior campaign and has done nothing but impress with an ability to score inside and out (16.2 points a night).
    — Matt Feld, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Smiles at Four Seasons Whistler Both the facilities and service at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler impress.
    — Johanna Read, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Definition of impress
Noun
  • Many of the world’s most successful businesses began with an idea, not an overflowing bank account.
    — Vinayak Mahtani, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • This innovative idea allows companies to analyze and optimize their processes with real-time results rather than relying on subjective interviews.
    — Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of idea
Noun
  • What’s more mainstream than comparing a prominent cannabis imprint to a longstanding luxury brand?
    — Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2025
  • This signature sound has landed him in the crates of esteemed imprints, such as Anjunabeats, Enhanced Music, Monstercat and Blackhole.
    — Lisa Kocay, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of imprint
Noun
  • Much has been made of the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud of 2024, and Xzibit has chimed in with some thoughts on the historic battle, as well as what’s fair when embroiled in a rap beef.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Propper Daley’s invite-only A Day of Unreasonable Conversation will stay on the schedule as an annual gathering of thought leaders and entertainment industry insiders.
    — Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of thought
Noun
  • On the other hand, with the print industry declining and rivals more heavily relying on ink and services to stay afloat, there is incentive for Brother to push people to proprietary cartridges.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Wong and Gillies noted that from initial sketches to CAD designs to initial prototyping of titanium samples and platinum prints took a year and a half.
    — Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of print
Noun
  • In 1920, the initial concept transformed into the modern-day, red Michelin Guide, and stars for fine dining began in 1926.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Xiaomi’s Camera Mod Could Upgrade Phone Photography Photograph: Simon Hill Aside from its main announcements, Xiaomi granted us a sneak peek at a new modular concept camera phone.
    — Simon Hill, WIRED, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of concept
Noun
  • Public health experts say the curriculum should be expanded to include all parts of the menstrual cycle, including ovulation signs and the luteal phase, which is when conception typically occurs and can last 12 to 14 days.
    — Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The charm of classical arts has always been a fundamental part of the vision of Italian designer Francesco Murano, since the conception of his namesake brand in 2021.
    — Alberto Calabrese, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of conception
Noun
  • More important, the notion of having U.S. mining operations on or near the border between the Ukraine and Russia, especially the bord is with its occupied Ukrainian territory, to serve as a deterrence to future military action is hardly going to appeal to most private companies.
    — Michael Lynch, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • What Fuller did, however, was challenge this notion, Powell said.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of notion

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Cite this Entry

“Impression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impression. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on impression

Nglish: Translation of impression for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about impression

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