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Synonyms

make an impression

Idioms  

  1. Produce a strong effect on one. This phrase is often qualified with an adjective such as good, bad, strong, or the like. For example, He tried to make a good impression on his girlfriend's parents, or Be careful or you'll make a bad impression on the jury, or You made quite an impression with that speech. [Mid-1600s]

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.

So for Super Bowl LX, the fake-brain industry is working to make an impression on our real brains by turning to the cryptocurrency bubble’s onetime game plan—and bringing in all your favorite celebrities.

From Slate • Feb. 8, 2026

In terms of arrangements and production, “Goon” was much more varied, probably because it had to be—Mr. Jesso was unknown, and needed to make an impression.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 2025

Moments of dramatic tension hold the same amount of passion as Christy’s quieter, heartbroken moments — which is to say, some, but not nearly enough to make an impression.

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2025

It did not take her long to make an impression in Portugal.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2025

I realize that if I want Haymitch's attention, this is my moment to make an impression.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

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.