Synonyms of impressive

impressive

adjective

im-ˈpre-siv 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• emotional
• exciting
• excitable
• poignant
• passionate
• inspirational
• dramatic
• moving
• impactful
• touching
• eloquent
• stirring
• meaningful
• affecting
• expressive
• theatrical
• significant
• theatric
• feeling
• demonstrative
• responsive
• provoking
• stimulating
• rousing
• sensitive
• melodramatic
• cathartic
• histrionic

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unimpressive
• unemotional
• cool
• cold
• detached
• dispassionate
• unaffecting
• emotionless
• deadpan

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of impressive

Gracie Abrams is at the forefront of this movement with her award-winning songwriting style, impressive stage presence and her overall remarkable artistry. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025

Known for his rich musical legacy with Los Bukis and impressive solo career, Solís incorporated the 2024 Drake diss track at Estadio Centenario (Resistencia) on Sunday (Feb. 23) night. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 25 Feb. 2025

The Eagles dominated the Chiefs in one of the most impressive performances in Super Bowl history. —Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025

The former earned an impressive (for an arthouse film) $53.8 million at the box office, while the latter grossed $68.3 million and was nominated for an Oscar for its screenplay. —Brent Lang, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025