1 impressionist | Definition of impressionist

impressionist

noun
im·​pres·​sion·​ist | \ im-ˈpre-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce impressionist (audio) \

Definition of impressionist

1 often capitalized : someone (such as a painter) who practices or adheres to the theories of impressionism
2 : an entertainer who does impressions

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Synonyms for impressionist

Synonyms

imitator, impersonator, mimic, personator

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Examples of impressionist in a Sentence

a celebrated impressionist who can do enough rapid-fire imitations to populate an entire stage with characters

Recent Examples on the Web

As Hader, a skilled impressionist, does his best Cruise and Rogen, those actors’ faces seamlessly, frighteningly melt into his own. Kristina Libby, Popular Mechanics, "This Bill Hader Deepfake Video Is Amazing. It's Also Terrifying for Our Future.," 13 Aug. 2019 Since 1961, a painting of wisteria by French impressionist Claude Monet has hung in the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague, harboring a secret beneath its swirling brushstrokes. Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Hidden Water Lily Found Beneath Monet Painting," 5 June 2019 In time, Tompkins, an amateur impressionist, became known for his own ability to inject levity into the clubhouse. Dennis Lin, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres' longtime video coordinator embarking on new career," 24 Sep. 2017 Photo: Sotheby's Both Sotheby’s and Christie’s struggled to unload their most expensive artworks during last week’s impressionist and modern-art sales. Kelly Crow, WSJ, "At London’s Art Auctions, the Middle Is Where the Action Is," 25 June 2018 Federer is a delicate, brush-stroking impressionist and Nadal is a dogged, free-wheeling abstract expressionist. Jon Wertheim, SI.com, "'Strokes of Genius' Documentary Commemorates the Iconic Federer-Nadal '08 Wimbledon Final," 26 June 2018 My good friend Frank Caliendo, one of the funniest men and greatest impressionists in comedic history, will be doing his stand-up act at the Orlando Improv on Sunday evening (7 p.m.). Mike Bianchi, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Advice to Magic fans: Ignore media and put trust in Jeff Weltman during NBA Draft," 8 June 2018 Kabler, known for his impressions of many celebrities, has established himself as one of the industry’s top Robin Williams impressionists, having taken on the famed comedian’s persona onstage for decades. Lisa Deaderick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Top weekend events: San Diego Comedy Festival, George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, Fiesta Botanica," 25 May 2018 Today’s birthdays: Actor-comedian-impressionist Stanley Baxter is 92. Houston Chronicle, "Birthdays: May 24," 23 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impressionist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of impressionist

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for impressionist

impressionist

noun

English Language Learners Definition of impressionist

: a painter who practices impressionism
: an entertainer who does impressions (sense 5)

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