capable of impressing, esp by size, magnificence, etc; awe-inspiring; commanding
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
im•pres•sive /ɪmˈprɛsɪv/USA pronunciation
adj.
im•pres•sive•ness, n. [uncountable]See -press-.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- causing admiration because of size, conduct, manner, etc.:the impressive old castles of Ireland.
im•pres•sive•ness, n. [uncountable]See -press-.
im•pres•sive
(im pres′iv),USA pronunciation adj.
im•pres′sive•ly, adv.
im•pres′sive•ness, n.
- having the ability to impress the mind;
arousing admiration, awe, respect, etc.;
moving;
admirable:an impressive ceremony; an impressive appearance.
- impress1 + -ive 1585–95
im•pres′sive•ness, n.
- imposing, awesome.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
'be impressive' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):