impressive

[ im-pres-iv ]

/ ɪmˈprɛs ɪv /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: impressive / impressively / impressiveness on Thesaurus.com

adjective

having the ability to impress the mind; arousing admiration, awe, respect, etc.; moving; admirable: an impressive ceremony; an impressive appearance.

OTHER WORDS FOR impressive

imposing, awesome.

See synonyms for impressive on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of impressive

First recorded in 1585–95; impress¹ + -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM impressive

im·pres·sive·ly, adverbim·pres·sive·ness, nounpre·im·pres·sive, adjectiveun·im·pres·sive, adjective

un·im·pres·sive·ly, adverb

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH impressive

impressionable, impressive

How to use impressive in a sentence

The Cougars have one very impressive win — 51-17 over Boise State.
Cincinnati and BYU are making a case for the College Football Playoff. Is anyone listening?|John Feinstein|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
The fact that he traveled for a three-day trip, or whatever it took, and he came in not terrible shape is impressive.
A tiny owl was saved after getting stuck in the Rockefeller Center tree: ‘It’s the Christmas miracle of 2020’|Andrea Salcedo|November 19, 2020|Washington Post
Growing up in Trieste, Italy he had shown an impressive knack for mathematics, but he was kicked out of high school for insubordination and had to go live with his uncle in Rome.
When Einstein Tilted at Windmills - Issue 93: Forerunners|Amanda Gefter|November 18, 2020|Nautilus
An impressive group of psychologists and political scientists made this clear in a recent paper in Science.
Why America Is Ripe for Election Conspiracy Theorizing - Facts So Romantic|Brian Gallagher|November 17, 2020|Nautilus

Though an impressive prospect pipeline and a surprising 86-76 finish in 2013 had raised expectations some, Kansas City was not viewed as a serious contender going into 2014.
The 2014-15 Kansas City Royals Were One Of Baseball’s Great Underdog Stories|Neil Paine (neil.paine@fivethirtyeight.com)|November 11, 2020|FiveThirtyEight
Most impressively, there has been a revival of job growth in these areas.
The Rustbelt Roars Back From the Dead|Joel Kotkin, Richey Piiparinen|December 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The conversation was entirely in Russian—Weir is impressively fluent.
‘To Russia With Love’: Can Johnny Weir Save Russia’s Gays?|Kevin Fallon|October 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Mingled with all the bizarre zoology, however, are many impressively accurate and detailed descriptions.
Why Aristotle Deserves A Posthumous Nobel|Nick Romeo|October 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Despite an impressively long history, cider has maintained a relatively humble identity.
Wine, Watch Out! These Ciders Are Just as Good|Jordan Salcito|July 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He speaks, impressively but also vitally, fluent German, French, and Italian.
Adventures in Gay History With Oscar Wilde|Tim Teeman|June 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Tessa raised her head, paused, then spoke impressively: I lost it through carefulness.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline|Jennie M. Drinkwater
In a single sentence the philosopher describes himself truly and impressively.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume I|John Lord
His sons are astonished at the providence of God, so clearly and impressively demonstrated on their behalf.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume II|John Lord
“'First catch your fish,'” Puddy read impressively, looking around for approval.
The Gentle Art of Cooking Wives|Elizabeth Strong Worthington
He uttered the oath so impressively that the recording angel never winced as he posted it in the prayer column.
Freckles|Gene Stratton-Porter

British Dictionary definitions for impressive

impressive

/ (ɪmˈprɛsɪv) /

adjective

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

Derived forms of impressive

impressively, adverbimpressiveness, noun

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

impressive

OTHER WORDS FOR impressive

Origin of impressive

OTHER WORDS FROM impressive

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH impressive

Words related to impressive

How to use impressive in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for impressive

Derived forms of impressive