IMPRESSIVE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'impressive' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of impressive are affecting , moving , pathetic , poignant , and touching . While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction. // an impressive list of achievements

Q: How do 'affecting' and 'moving' relate to one another, in the sense of 'impressive'?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos. // an affecting deathbed reunion

Q: When could 'moving' be used to replace 'impressive'?

In some situations, the words moving and impressive are roughly equivalent. However, moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy. // a moving appeal for contributions

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pathetic' instead of 'impressive'?

The words pathetic and impressive can be used in similar contexts, but pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt. // pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

Q: When would 'poignant' be a good substitute for 'impressive'?

The synonyms poignant and impressive are sometimes interchangeable, but poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities. // a poignant documentary on the homeless

Q: Where would 'touching' be a reasonable alternative to 'impressive'?

The words touching and impressive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion. // the touching innocence in a child's eyes

impressive

adjective

im-ˈpre-siv

Definition of impressive next

as in emotional

having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies an impressive play about a loving family attempting to lift themselves out of poverty

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How is the word impressive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of impressive are affecting, moving, pathetic, poignant, and touching. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

How do affecting and moving relate to one another, in the sense of impressive?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When could moving be used to replace impressive?

In some situations, the words moving and impressive are roughly equivalent. However, moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When is it sensible to use pathetic instead of impressive?

The words pathetic and impressive can be used in similar contexts, but pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

When would poignant be a good substitute for impressive?

The synonyms poignant and impressive are sometimes interchangeable, but poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

Where would touching be a reasonable alternative to impressive?

The words touching and impressive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of impressive Red Sea Week’s superyacht list was as impressive an assemblage as any single event, rivaling even the Monaco Yacht Show. —

Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024 This is particularly impressive given that the retail environment has softened in recent months amid a mixed economy. —

Trefis Team, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 In one of the more impressive moments from the set, DJ Jahi Sundance spun vocal samples from Erykah Badu and Thundercat as the band expertly weaved around them. —

William E. Ketchum Iii, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Even more impressive, since Adams was traded to the Jets, Wilson has become the clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver for the franchise. —

Jesse Reed, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impressive

Adjective

After public comment at the Wednesday meeting, during which many speakers had called for her resignation, an emotional Corpus addressed the supervisors.

Ryan Macasero, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Avoiding the downward spiral Practicing gratitude can make a significant, positive impact on a person’s emotional and physical health.

Contributing Writer, Orange County Register, 12 Nov. 2024