IMPRESS Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

impress 1 of 2

noun

Definition of impress next

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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impress

2 of 2

verb

im-ˈpres

as in to affect

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response impressed him with the intensity of their musical performance

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to engrave

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

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as in to compel

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure after weeks of nagging, they impressed her into going to the masquerade party

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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

Meanwhile, the sheer scale of Chinese efforts both impresses and alarms. —

David Kilcullen, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2020 Monk’s costume design impresses, as Elodie must use parts of her dress to engineer her way out of dire encounters with the dragon (voiced by Shohreh Aghdashloo) and the maze of its underground lair. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024

Verb

Bhattacharya met last week with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and impressed Kennedy with his ideas to overhaul NIH, a nearly $50 billion agency that oversees the nation's biomedical research, the people said. —

Dan Diamond The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 25 Nov. 2024 Throughout the application process, we were impressed by their experience and their desire to pursue ambitious, important stories so early in their careers. —

Talia Buford, ProPublica, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impress

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impress

Noun

The pressure to make a strong first impression, navigate unfamiliar settings or initiate meaningful conversations can create stress.

Gina Riley, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
The voice of the vampire was Hoult and Depp’s first impression of Skarsgård in character.

Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 2 Dec. 2024