impressionist 1 of 2

Definition of impressionistnext
as in performer
a person who imitates another's voice and mannerisms for comic effect a celebrated impressionist who can do enough rapid-fire imitations to populate an entire stage with characters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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impressionist

2 of 2

adjective

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 impressionist
Noun
That show also explored the art of Van Gogh, Monet and Whistler, Impressionist artists deeply influenced by Japanese prints, as expressed by the French term Japonisme. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026 Mimics tells the story of Sam, a struggling impressionist who makes a pact with a wicked puppet. Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Guests will include Wyclef Jean and Andra Day with the music, while comedian and impressionist Matt Friend will report for the show from the red carpet. Michael Schneider, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026 Inspired by Mediterranean pieces, this coverlet is styled best with terra-cotta floors, a humble wood side table, and a small impressionist painting above a four-poster bed. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impressionist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impressionist
Noun
  • No performer has ever won back-to-back guest drama actor Emmys for the same role.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The determination means Lane will be the show’s only potential leading performer in this year’s Tony race.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With a blend of atmospheric beatmaking, gauzy harmonies, and impressionistic songwriting, Quiet Light’s music casts a distinct spell, like stumbling upon Imogen Heap in a forest clearing or imagining a Taylor Swift album produced by Harold Budd.
    Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Sickert is showcased here for both his impressionistic instincts and his portrayal of previously taboo art subjects such as prostitutes and the impoverished.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In a recent Equity survey, 71 % of actors from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds still reported that hair and makeup departments were unable to meet their needs, something that undermining wellbeing, authenticity and production values.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Many of his royal relatives have also made memorable trips over the years, with experiences ranging from trying a hot dog for the first time to dancing with actor John Travolta.
    Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The gap between that description and the surreal, personally expressionistic film up on the screen, however, could not be wider.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Bryan Fuller’s expressionistic procedural is ostentatiously gruesome, yes, but the increasingly disturbing interplay between Will and Hannibal — cat and mouse, will-they/won’t they — is a full course meal on its own.
    Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But Taraborrelli believes that revisiting a moment in time when Jackson and his music became a cultural phenomenon, as well as enlightening new generations to his otherworldliness as an entertainer, should be a reason for unity.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Instead of mockery, expect mindreading when Oz Pearlman fills the entertainer slot on Saturday night.
    Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The film is full of gorgeously expressionist black-and-white photography, stunning otherworldly production design, and a subtle sense of foreboding throughout that's one of the best the director has mustered in his illustrious career.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The production is naturalistic, with bits of expressionist neo-noir worked in when a crime is being described.
    Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Baseball is a copycat league, and success breeds imitators.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • In Karp’s telling, Basquiat is someone who Just Did Things, like today’s defense tech founders, who possess a similar kind of creative conviction, as opposed to the consumer tech imitators of yesteryear.
    Simon Denny, Artforum, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • One of the night’s stranger guests was Fabio Declares, a famed Michael Jackson impersonator.
    John Ross, Vanity Fair, 19 Apr. 2026
  • They wed in a Las Vegas ceremony officiated by an Elvis Presley impersonator in September 2020.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Impressionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impressionist. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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