impressive

[ im-pres-iv ]

adjective

1. having the ability to impress the mind; arousing admiration, awe, respect, etc.; moving; admirable:

   an impressive ceremony; an impressive appearance.

   Synonyms: awesome, imposing

impressive

/ ɪmˈprɛsɪv /

adjective

1. capable of impressing, esp by size, magnificence, etc; awe-inspiring; commanding

Derived Forms

• imˈpressively, adverb
• imˈpressiveness, noun

Other Words From

• im·pressive·ly adverb
• im·pressive·ness noun
• preim·pressive adjective
• unim·pressive adjective
• unim·pressive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of impressive¹

First recorded in 1585–95; impress ¹ + -ive

Example Sentences

Seattle is a home favorite in our Elo model, which makes sense given its impressive 38-25 shellacking of the Falcons in Atlanta last week.

From FiveThirtyEight

Out of the five teams left standing in the 2020 NBA postseason — a list that includes such heavy hitters as the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers — the most impressive of all has probably been the Miami Heat.

From FiveThirtyEight

The woman’s friend was in her early 50s, had an impressive sense of humor and was a regular at Shenanigans.

From Ozy

Troy Carter has had an equally impressive career in media and entertainment.

From TechCrunch

I’m a fan of the company’s impressive head instructor and vice-president of fitness programming, Robin Arzon, who I interviewed in June.

From Fortune

They are impressive animals, solitary hunters blessed with incredible power and athleticism.

From The Daily Beast

The Walking Dead piled up an impressive body count in 2014, with Lizzie, Hershel, and Beth among its major casualties.

From The Daily Beast

The ATSB has been impressive in the way it has taken over the direction of the search for Flight 370.

From The Daily Beast

When you think about all of that, the success of this Comeback run is all the more impressive.

From The Daily Beast

He cast her as Hope, an ex-addict with an impressive pair of fake chompers—the result of years of drug abuse.

From The Daily Beast

Mrs. De Morgan has produced some impressive works in sculpture.

From Project Gutenberg

As the impressive progress continued the revellers ceased their revels and followed in the wake of Aristide.

From Project Gutenberg

At once dignified, solemn, and impressive, it combined every element of grandeur.

From Project Gutenberg

The old gatekeepers of Putney Bridge were provided with impressive-looking gowns and wore something the appearance of beadles.

From Project Gutenberg

Such warnings as these were significant and impressive, and few dared utter a word in favor of the king.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dramatic
• exciting
• extraordinary
• important
• imposing
• intense
• massive
• monumental
• notable
• profound
• remarkable
• splendid
• superb
• thrilling