impress 1 of 2

as in impression
a perceptible trace left by pressure the stamp left a smudgy impress on the paper

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to engrave
to produce a vivid impression of impressed the importance of safe driving habits by displaying photos of horrific crashes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb impress differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of impress are affect, influence, strike, sway, and touch. While all these words mean "to produce or have an effect upon," impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.

only one of the plans impressed him

When is it sensible to use affect instead of impress?

The words affect and impress can be used in similar contexts, but affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.

the sight affected her to tears

When might influence be a better fit than impress?

Although the words influence and impress have much in common, influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).

our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing

Where would strike be a reasonable alternative to impress?

The meanings of strike and impress largely overlap; however, strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.

struck by the solemnity of the occasion

When would sway be a good substitute for impress?

The words sway and impress are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.

politicians who are swayed by popular opinion

In what contexts can touch take the place of impress?

While the synonyms touch and impress are close in meaning, touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.

plants touched by frost
his emotions were touched by her distress

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 impress
Noun
Pamela Anderson looked down to earth posing next to an impress bike at the 15th Annual Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA) Convention and Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center in 1996. John Russell, Peoplemag, 1 July 2024 Meanwhile, the sheer scale of Chinese efforts both impresses and alarms. David Kilcullen, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2020
Verb
Belger said spending time with the researchers and with friends on the Navajo Nation impressed on him the urgency of photographing the site now, before these extraordinary structures degenerate further. Ted Scheinman, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025 Plant and Page were impressed by 2017’s American Epic, MacMahon’s documentary about the history of roots music, which encouraged them to put their trust in the project and also convince Jones of its merits. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for impress 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impress
Noun
  • The 30-second spot, which included a cameo of his then wife, Jennifer Lopez, garnered 7 billion impressions for the company after its first airing, according to Dunkin' President Scott Murphy in a 2024 interview with Entreprenuer magazine.
    Anne Marie Lee, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2025
  • The director Clint Bentley’s new film was a major surprise for me; his first feature, Jockey, left only a slight impression upon critics, and adapting the work of the novelist Denis Johnson has long been a tricky cinematic task.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The series is based on an everyday experience affecting people all over the world but exploring a universe packed with personal conflict and complex relationships.
    Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The guide notes that while eating on a train is allowed in many places, passengers should be mindful of how their habits affect others.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In the study, published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, a team of researchers has demonstrated that stone artifacts found in certain caves in the Levant were deliberately engraved with geometric patterns.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Finally, the third and final build of Bilgin’s 263-foot superyacht series, Al Reem, completed the triumvirate, clearly engraving the boutique yacht builder’s status as a leader within the industry.
    Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The tariffs were also meant to compel the countries to take further action to stop undocumented immigrants from entering the U.S. and to narrow their trade surplus.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2025
  • The production by British post-punk veteran Nick Launay helps this minimal song compel your attention as the band keeps playing.
    Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • There’s simply not enough conclusive evidence to know precisely how these products influence cardiovascular health, Samantha Coogan, RDN, a nutrition sciences professor and director of the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, told Health.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Performers Andy Marder, Tyler Stamets and Martin Theiler have been influenced by bluegrass, rockabilly and country music genres.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • They are etched on the plaque and also in the hearts and minds of our students.
    Grant H. Cornwell, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Kevin Durant continues to etch his name into NBA history books.
    Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Supreme Court's Bantam Books v. Sullivan precedent makes clear that government officials can't use their position to coerce private entities into censorship.
    Brenda Looper, arkansasonline.com, 5 Feb. 2025
  • One text, seen by North Carolina outlet WSOC-TV, shows the scammers pretending to be the IRS in an attempt to coerce recipients.
    Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But to not be able to talk and think about health without understanding the undercurrent of social factors impacting our health is wrong.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
  • House said the biggest concern for the company is all of these actions that appear relatively minimal, including on suppliers, combining to negatively impact the automaker’s business.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near impress

Cite this Entry

“Impress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impress. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

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