impression

noun

im-ˈpre-shən How to pronounce impression (audio)
Definition of impressionnext
1
as in impress
a perceptible trace left by pressure a shoe impression in the dirt that could lead police to the culprit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in idea
something imagined or pictured in the mind had a vague impression that the guide would be female

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun impression contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of impression are conception, concept, idea, notion, and thought. While all these words mean "what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan)," impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

When might concept be a better fit than impression?

While in some cases nearly identical to impression, concept may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be.

a society with no concept of private property

How are the words conception and concept related as synonyms of impression?

Conception is often interchangeable with concept; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result.

our changing conception of what constitutes art

When would idea be a good substitute for impression?

While the synonyms idea and impression are close in meaning, idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed.

innovative ideas
my idea of paradise

When can notion be used instead of impression?

In some situations, the words notion and impression are roughly equivalent. However, notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

Where would thought be a reasonable alternative to impression?

Although the words thought and impression have much in common, thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

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 impression It was stamped with six cents, obviously under the impression it was bound for somewhere in the States. —John Updike, New Yorker, 11 July 2025 The song increased by 18% to 19.3 million audience impressions July 4-10, according to Luminate. Shaboozey co-wrote the song with Sean Cook, Michael Pollack, Sam Roman, Nevin Sastry and Jake Torrey. —Jim Asker, Billboard, 11 July 2025 Bruce gets the distinct impression that Superman is more of a danger to humanity than a protector. —Will Harris, EW.com, 11 July 2025 Branding requires distinction, and images that resonate with consumers and leave a lasting impression. —Jon Stojan, Freep.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for impression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impression
  1. impress
  2. idea
  3. imprint
  4. thought
  5. print
  6. concept
  7. conception
  8. notion
Noun
  • Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve Studio impress on all of these fronts, but there are still some differences between them that might lead you to prefer one over the other.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 9 June 2025
  • But, should Neave impress during pre-season, the head coach may even decide to keep him around the first-team setup longer term.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Definition of impress
Noun
  • Miloš had a wacky idea about Burt Reynolds for a while.
    — Jordan Hoffman Updated, EW.com, 10 July 2025
  • Just as the fish rise to the surface when the water is calm, your best ideas may surface when your mind is tranquil and wandering during an evening shower.
    — Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 July 2025
Definition of idea
Noun
  • And although the era of big hair, pastels and Pac-Man has long gone, A Flock of Seagulls and their ‘80s contemporaries left an indelible imprint on pop culture with their New Wave sound and look.
    — David Chiu, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • James ran the point effectively and displayed an ability to leave an imprint on the action in more ways than one, pumping in eight points to go with three rebounds and a pair of steals.
    — Roderick Boone Updated July 11, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2025
Definition of imprint
Noun
  • Another concerning aspect of AI's influence on our freedom of thought is its capacity to distort memory and perception.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Please detail any thoughts and feelings at this point.
    — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2025
Definition of thought
Noun
  • Wiggle prints and blindingly bright colors to the Canadian designer’s distinctive footwear styles.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 14 July 2025
  • Especially lovely is the Argos Inn, an 1831 mansion with Dalí prints and two cocktail bars; discerning oenophiles will also love the design-forward Lake House on Canandaigua, which opened in 2020 on the site of a former motel with a spa and outdoor barrel saunas.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
Definition of print
Noun
  • One of the biggest challenges Pavone faced after launching was educating the consumer around this new concept.
    — Yola Robert, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The new concept comes six months after the owner of Explorium Brewing purchased Good City Brewing's four locations and its brands.
    — Jordyn Noennig, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of concept
Noun
  • Tom muses, in graphic detail, about his parents’ actions that led to his conception, birth and growing up to enter this particular restaurant on this particular date.
    — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025
  • If anything, the Meta ruling confirms a worrying truth: that the law’s current conception of fair use isn’t built for AI—it’s being bent around it.
    — Aron Solomon June 27, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
Definition of conception
Noun
  • That latter idea flows from a notion that if rescissions are proposed late in the fiscal year and Congress does not have the full 45-day period to act on any such proposals, the funds expire and become unavailable for obligation.
    — Doug Criscitello, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • But the fundamental notion to be grasped is one of purpose.
    — John Updike, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Definition of notion

Browse Nearby Words

impressing
impression
impressionability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impression. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on impression

Nglish: Translation of impression for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about impression

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