impress 1 of 2

noun

Definition of impressnext
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 How to pronounce impress (audio)
1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
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

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
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
Verb
Veatch was immediately impressed by Harper’s ability to connect with people. —Kevin Utz, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2025 Senior Avery Faulkner has been on the committee since 2023 after being impressed by the inaugural event. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impress
  1. impression
  2. affect
  3. engrave
  4. compel
  5. influence
  6. etch
  7. coerce
  8. impact
Noun
  • My impression of bath mats, from years of owning ones that end up getting soggy on contact, was that there was little to nothing to do about mildew, puddles of water, and discoloration.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 27 Mar. 2025
  • And those first impressions include just about everything.
    — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of impression
Verb
  • The precise extent of the cancellations and the specific products affected remain unclear.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The bill's requirement to show proof of citizenship in person would affect millions more voters who do have the documentation but register by mail or online, the Brennan Center said.
    — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of affect
Verb
  • Each movement is engraved with an emblem representing Vacheron Constantin’s 270th anniversary.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Within its 12-sided bezel is set a blue dial engraved with a four-sided star motif.
    — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of engrave
Verb
  • To compel Brand to return home, the UK government’s Home Office would need to make an extradition request to U.S. authorities.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Overreaching diversity strategies can not only suppress speech, but also compel it.
    — Suzanne Nossel, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of compel
Verb
  • Not so long time ago, in a galaxy not so far away, Alfonso Cuarón was unintentionally influencing the future of the Star Wars franchise.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Yet the case stands to influence legal challenges to the Liberation Day tariffs, too, because the President relied on the same mechanism for both the earlier and more recent tariff announcements, declaring a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, of 1977.
    — Cristian Farias, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of influence
Verb
  • The Kardashians matriarch uploaded a picture of a wooden box etched with As ever's logo and crest, which appeared to contain the three herbal teas, flower sprinkles, crepe mix, shortbread cookies and raspberry jam in keepsake packaging from the inaugural brand launch.
    — Janine Henni, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • But there's one story that remains etched in his mind vividly.
    — Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of etch
Verb
  • The settlement also adds that Google will not interfere with, restrain or coerce workers in the exercise of their rights.
    — Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • If a sitting or former president can successfully coerce law firms into submission by threatening financial ruin, what happens to the idea of legal independence?
    — Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of coerce
Verb
  • Over 1,300 federal employees impacted by the Department of Education's March 11 reduction in force received their official separation notices Thursday, according to copies reviewed by ABC News.
    — Arthur Jones II, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • These tariffs target goods from more than 180 countries and territories, including China, Vietnam, and Thailand. Vendors impacted by the cancellations suspect the move was triggered by the trade dispute.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of impact

Browse Nearby Words

impresas
impress
impressed
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Cite this Entry

“Impress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impress. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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