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Synonyms

impressive

American  
[im-pres-iv] / ɪmˈprɛs ɪv /

adjective

  1. having the ability to impress the mind; arousing admiration, awe, respect, etc.; moving; admirable.

    an impressive ceremony; an impressive appearance.
    Synonyms:
    awesome, imposing
impressive British  
/ ɪmˈprɛsɪv /

adjective

  1. capable of impressing, esp by size, magnificence, etc; awe-inspiring; commanding

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • impressively adverb
  • impressiveness noun
  • preimpressive adjective
  • unimpressive adjective
  • unimpressively adverb

Etymology

Origin of impressive

First recorded in 1585–95; impress 1 + -ive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After Ogden and Schumacher’s impressive win as juniors in 2018, Team USA pulled out its calendar and circled 2026—the next Olympics when the team sprint would be contested in their preferred free style.

From The Wall Street Journal

Santa Margarita 7, Crespi 0: Sophomore Tyler George made an impressive debut, striking out nine in five innings for the Eagles.

From Los Angeles Times

And what they could measure wasn’t overwhelmingly impressive, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The bedrooms are charming yet impressive, with enough room for a queen-sized bed, large windows, and carpeted flooring.

From MarketWatch

Harvard-Westlake 83, Santa Margarita 62: After losing three of their last four games, the Wolverines have come back big time in the Open Division playoffs, winning their pool with an impressive road win.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.