IMPRESSION Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

impression

noun

im-ˈpre-shən

Definition of impression next

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

Relevance

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 hook, an overwrought Chris Martin impression from singer Ashtrobot, is the nail in the coffin. 169. —

Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025 Surely aided by postproduction tools, the sound of the crowd makes an impression in this scene, as a clamor rises from among the deaf students. —

Peter Debruge, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025 While the characters in Interstellar and Contact may have different reasons for space exploration, both films employ sci-fi’s staple larger-than-life visuals and boast endings that leave lasting impressions long after their credits roll. —

Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 2 Feb. 2025 The impression of Breillat created by her films is that of a person who is unafraid of—who perhaps even delights in—confrontation. —

Victoria Uren, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for impression

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impression

Noun

The combo guard returned prior to his senior campaign and has done nothing but impress with an ability to score inside and out (16.2 points a night).

— Matt Feld, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2025
Smiles at Four Seasons Whistler Both the facilities and service at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler impress.

— Johanna Read, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024