impenetrable

im·pen·e·tra·ble

adj \(ˌ)im-ˈpe-nə-trə-bəl\

Definition of IMPENETRABLE

1

a : incapable of being penetrated or pierced b : inaccessible to knowledge, reason, or sympathy : impervious

2

: incapable of being comprehended : inscrutable

— im·pen·e·tra·bly \-blē\ adverb

Examples of IMPENETRABLE

1. The fort's defenses were thought to be impenetrable.
2. <the ancient temple was surrounded by vast stretches of impenetrable jungle>

Origin of IMPENETRABLE

Middle English impenetrabel, from Middle French impenetrable, from Latin impenetrabilis, from in- + penetrabilis penetrable

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to IMPENETRABLE

Synonyms: impassable (also impassible), impermeable, impervious, impregnable

Antonyms: negotiable, passable, penetrable, permeable

Related Words: close, compact, dense, thick, tight; compressed, condensed; sturdy, substantial, tough; firm, frozen, hard, solid, stiff; inflexible, rigid, unbending, unyielding

Near Antonyms: soft, squishy; bendable, elastic, flexible, giving, malleable, pliable, yielding; absorbent, porous

see all synonyms and antonyms

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