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 Viv takes part in a counseling group but resents having to share her story about her husband’s illness when pressed to do so by another member, Janet (Omi, making a lasting impression in a small role). —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025 After making a strong impression in three seasons at Louisville, Van Lith struggled to adjust to a new role and system in 2023-24 at LSU, shooting 37.8% from the field and seeing her scoring average drop from 19.7 in her third year at Louisville to 11.6 points per game. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025 Vogt, after some explaining, broke into an impression of a television character from a show famed for sending up things like convoluted job titles. —Zack Meisel, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025 Yet Armstrong has made an instantaneous and significant impression. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 10 Apr. 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
  • Milton spent nearly all of last season as the Patriots’ third-stringer but did impress in Week 18.
    — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
  • McIlroy and Morikawa impress but other big stars tumble World No. 2 McIlroy sits well within striking distance of a second Players title after shooting 68 to move to nine-under par.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of impress
Noun
  • Another good idea before kicking off an exercise routine: For activities that involve spinal twisting and bending, talk with your physical therapist to get tips on proper form.
    — Alice Oglethorpe, SELF, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Deporting supposed gang members and Hamas supporters without due process may violate any number of statutes, but forcing oppositionists to defend these people’s rights allows the administration to paint them as defending their ideas.
    — Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of idea
Noun
  • This layer had specific imprints that gradually changed due north, the data showed.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
  • His world was steeped in the sensibilities of Greek tragedy, and his historical narrative carries that imprint throughout.
    — Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of imprint
Noun
  • Drop a comment with your thoughts on the first half of 9-1-1: Contagion below.
    — Andy Swift, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But when asked his thoughts on U.S. President Donald Trump’s politics during a press conference after the lineup announcement, Fremaux kept it diplomatic.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of thought
Noun
  • The soft leather looks best when done up in a snake print, as far as we’re concerned, which will instantly grant your off-duty stylings more oomph.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie has earned nearly $8.7 million domestically and $2.2 million internationally for a worldwide domestic tally of $10.9 million to date against a $15 million production budget before prints and advertising costs, according to The Numbers.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of print
Noun
  • But is this really a new concept, or just a rebranding?
    — Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And now, the time was ripe to take its concept on the road.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of concept
Noun
  • Primary care physicians know that every American has a stake in our health care system from the moment of conception until the last heartbeat and every day in between.
    — Primary care physicians, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Kylee Pucci is a six-time egg donor and has a unique relationship with her biological daughter Comments Egg donation provides families with the chance to experience parenthood when natural conception isn't possible.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of conception
Noun
  • Yes, the notion that a good tackle might fall is a big if.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The development reinforces the notion that Nvidia — the driving force of the generative AI boom on Wall Street for the past two years, turning in extraordinary sales, profit and share-price growth during that time — finds itself in an increasingly precarious moment.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of notion

Browse Nearby Words

impressing
impression
impressionability
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Cite this Entry

“Impression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impression. Accessed 24 Apr. 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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