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Definitions

make an impression

VERB
impress
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affect awe excite faze inspire sway thrill touch
STRONG
arouse buffalo bulldoze carry electrify enforce enthuse galvanize get grab grandstand kill move overawe pique provoke register score slay stimulate stir strike
WEAK
be conspicuous blow away knock out make a hit make splash push around show off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
discourage
STRONG
bore calm delight depress dissuade fail leave alone lose miss please stop
WEAK
neglect take apart
VERB
score
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accomplish connect gain get notch pull off rack up reach win
STRONG
amass arrive attain flourish impress procure prosper realize secure thrive triumph
WEAK
chalk up gain advantage hit pay dirt luck out make a killing make the grade put over take the cake
Antonyms
STRONGEST
depart fail forfeit leave lose miss pass
STRONG
give up languish neglect
WEAK
mend smooth
VERB
touch
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affect disturb excite grab impress influence inspire mark move stir strike stroke upset
STRONG
arouse carry melt quicken soften stimulate sway
WEAK
feel out get through to get to strike a chord tug at the heart

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So for Super Bowl LX, the fake-brain industry is working to make an impression on our real brains by turning to the cryptocurrency bubble’s onetime game plan—and bringing in all your favorite celebrities.

From Slate • Feb. 8, 2026

The most time-consuming part of the job involves crafting a counter, thick card stock that pushes the paper into the copper plate to make an impression, essentially serving as a negative.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Moments of dramatic tension hold the same amount of passion as Christy’s quieter, heartbroken moments — which is to say, some, but not nearly enough to make an impression.

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2025

It did not take her long to make an impression in Portugal.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2025

I intended to make an impression, to be invited back.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez