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 guys left a strong impression on one park visitor. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2025 In 2022 and with two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard out for the entire season, the Clippers finished eighth in the West and lost both their Play-In games, leaving a bitter impression on Powell. —Janis Carr, Oc Register, 25 Mar. 2025 But my other lasting impression was of the stark delineation between success and failure, and the importance that runners and spectators alike attached to it. —Alex Hutchinson, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2025 Related Articles Asking Eric: Fairytale engagement sours friendship Asking Eric: Niece’s visit tests generosity Now, Bob may be working under the impression that this is just how your friendship works. —R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 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
  • Milton spent nearly all of last season as the Patriots’ third-stringer but did impress in Week 18.
    — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
  • McIlroy and Morikawa impress but other big stars tumble World No. 2 McIlroy sits well within striking distance of a second Players title after shooting 68 to move to nine-under par.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of impress
Noun
  • Thankfully, the other two judges have an idea how to properly judge a mixed martial arts fight and the right man got the win.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Jon Conahan of Athlon Sports recently pitched a blockbuster trade idea that would send Walker to the New York Mets this season.
    — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of idea
Noun
  • The saint's forehead also still retains the imprint of the saint's 16th-century Carmelite headdress.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The partnership comes about as a joint venture with Minnick’s The GLO imprint alongside the independent powerhouse label.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of imprint
Noun
  • This method eliminates reactive emotions, allows for clearer self-expression and encourages both partners to process their thoughts and feelings before responding.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The most widely used are: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This form of talk therapy involves identifying the thought processes that trigger your anger and then implementing methods to notice those thoughts and manage your anger.
    — Wendy Wisner, Health, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of thought
Noun
  • The soft leather looks best when done up in a snake print, as far as we’re concerned, which will instantly grant your off-duty stylings more oomph.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie has earned nearly $8.7 million domestically and $2.2 million internationally for a worldwide domestic tally of $10.9 million to date against a $15 million production budget before prints and advertising costs, according to The Numbers.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of print
Noun
  • But is this really a new concept, or just a rebranding?
    — Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And now, the time was ripe to take its concept on the road.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of concept
Noun
  • The Space Launch System rocket cost taxpayers $23.8 billion since its conception in 2011, according to data from The Planetary Society.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Rogen says the idea to make the episode itself a oner became a funny meta joke-on-the-joke during the installment’s conception.
    — Nick Caruso, TVLine, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of conception
Noun
  • Thibodeau shot down the notion Anunoby will be resigned to spacing the floor in the corners once Brunson returns to the lineup.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Any specific test—the LSAT or ARC-AGI or a coding puzzle—will inherently contradict the notion of general intelligence; the term’s defining trait may be its undefinability.
    — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of notion

Browse Nearby Words

impressing
impression
impressionability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impression. Accessed 14 Apr. 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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