IMPRESSIVE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

impressive

adjective

im-ˈpre-siv

Definition of impressive next

as in emotional

having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies an impressive play about a loving family attempting to lift themselves out of poverty

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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

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 impressive The crackled effect on these soft cookies looks impressive, but is simply the result of rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking. —

Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026 Cole's choice of the Urus, a practical yet impressive luxury SUV, reflects his image as a successful, relatable artist. —

Charles Singh, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026 Most impressive is the spa’s 100-foot swimming pool—the longest of any hotel pool in Europe. —

Kasia Dietz, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026 The impressive indie effort from the YouTube creator known as Markiplier shocked Hollywood by raking in about $17 million in its opening weekend. —

Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impressive

Adjective

Kelly’s emotional two-dimensionality increases our anger on behalf of Pidgeon’s Carolyn, a vibrant professional woman who sees her life and her career toxified by the paparazzi and the press.

— Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
For me, that connection is the emotional core of 17.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026

Definition of emotional

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“Impressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impressive. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of impressive

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